Nothing to Laugh About

When a movie mixes special effects and comedy, comedy loses. Audiences too

Excess is always wretched, whether we're talking executive-compensation packages or some guy trying to squeeze his Hummer into a parking space clearly labeled COMPACT. When we succumb to the Big Gulp ethos, as inevitably we do, it leaves us feeling shamefaced and guilty. It never leaves us laughing, and that's something Hollywood needs to think about.

There was a time when we could count on the movies to slip a $2 whoopee cushion under the seats of the rich and fatuous. Charlie Chaplin once said all he needed to make a comedy was a park, a pretty girl, a cop (representing befuddled authority)...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!