When I think about the funniest movies of all time, this is what instantly comes to mind: Happy Gilmore. I must have been watching the tube a while back (something I rarely do anymore), and on the program they were surveying people what they thought the funniest movie ever made was. The #1 answer that came back was Happy Gilmore. For a moment, I felt enlightened. It wasn't just a casual observation, it was more of a "huh" moment.
Sure, there are plenty of funny movies out there. Meet the Parents was pretty funny the first time (and mostly just frustrating the second time). Monty Python and the Holy Grail had plenty of quotable moments. If you want to talk about quotable moments, though, there's This is Spinal Tap, Wayne's World, and Zoolander. Certainly some of the movies I've just mentioned wouldn't make a top 10 list (well, not many top 10 lists), but they all have their moments.
And yet, Happy Gilmore stands out. I had to think back to the first time I ever watched the movie. I was still living with my mom at the time, probably sitting in the basement with the TV on. A movie about a hockey player who plays golf!? The concept seemed too awesome to pass up.
Sure enough, the movie did not disappoint. I laughed all the way through, especially at the part where Happy curses up a storm and is being censored on the TVs. I don't think I heard a word of the dialogue in that part because I was laughing so hard.
I realize that everyone has their favorites, and there are plenty of great comedies out there. Even Leslie Nielsen movies have their place (well, sort of). But when I thought objectively about the movie that gave me the most laughter, I came up with Happy Gilmore.
