One of the aspects of “Horse Feathers” that I love is that it introduced me to the sheer radiance that is Thelma Todd. Sure, I ride on a bunch of modern beauties, but out of the slew of reasons why I keep going back to “Horse Feathers,” it’s because of Todd who I’ve managed to have a crush on since I first saw this Marx Bros. comedy masterpiece. Many years ago I viewed this for the first time on VHS and understood why the Marx Brothers were immortal. Suffice it to say I was not let down by “Horse Feathers.” At their prime, the Marx Brothers were unstoppable in the realm of comedy, and delivered laughs at a rapid fire pacing.
Tag Archives: Comedy
Our Top Ten “The Simpsons” Episodes of All Time: 10. The Springfield Files
My relationship with the Simpsons is a long and rather pleasant one. At the time the first episode appeared on FOX, I was old enough to enjoy it, and I was old enough to know that I’d be a hardcore “Simpsons” fans for a very long time. And that prophecy was not premature. After “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” I fell in love with the animated sitcom, and learned to enjoy it in syndication, watching each episode at least ninety times. I also tuned in to the rip offs. Does anyone else remember “Capital Critters,” “Fish Police,” and “Family Dog”? Just me, then? Okay.
Since I’m an eternal fan of the series, I thought I’d count down my ten favorite episodes of the series. There are plenty of episodes I kept out, but tough decisions aside, these are some notable episodes that stuck with me for a long time.

10. The Springfield Files
1997
Season Eight
The Guild: Complete Megaset (DVD)
It’s surprising how much “The Big Bang Theory” owes a debt to Felicia Day’s web series “The Guild.” Both series are about a small group of flawed but likable individuals who hide in their fandom, and confront life through the lens of video games, science fiction, and pop culture. And one of their main rivals is a character played by Wil Wheaton. That said, “The Guild” really managed to expose actress and all around adorable geek goddess Felicia Day to the online masses, paving her as a self made comedic performer who felt unpolished, but never amateurish. Day’s character Codex is surely a flawed girl with neuroses that stifle her from achieving true happiness, but we root for her because Felicia Day knows how to write the character with empathy.
WINGS: Complete Seasons 1 & 2 (DVD)
“Wings” was always something of a show that had genuine laughs, talented cast members, and a recognizable sitcom formula, and sadly was never that notable. Even with the appearance of Norm and Cliff from “Cheers” to help usher in the series and its setting, “Wings” was always kind of an under the radar series for folks that appreciated more downbeat comedy. Which is not to say “Wings” is a bad show, it just never quite reaches its stride until the first few seasons pass.
Gingerdead Man Vs. Evil Bong (2013)
After about thirty minutes of filler and scenes from the past films from both franchises, the basic premise of “Gingerdead Man Vs. Evil Bong” becomes Evil Bong playing heroine while Gingerdead Man is the villain. The main character from Evil Bong has opened up a bong store, while the surviving character from “Gingerdead Man” has opened up a popular bakery down the street.
Bounty Killer (2013) (DVD)
The best action movie released all year, “Bounty Killer,” finally comes to DVD and Blu-Ray, as director Henry Saine delivers action fans a pulpy apocalyptic thriller worthy of a large fan base. “Bounty Killer” is set in the future where corporations are now enemy number one and have laid waste to civilization with their greed. The government has sent a slew of skilled and crafty bounty killers to hunt down and take down corporate executives daring to run away with their corporation’s profits.
The New Three Stooges: Complete Cartoon Collection (DVD)
I’m a proud Three Stooges fan, raised by two comedy loving parents that taught me to appreciate the classic vaudevillian trio. From Shemp, and Curly, to Curly Joe, I really love the Stooges and their antics. In 1965, Cambria Studios took advantage of their teaming with Curly Joe DeRita, and produced a two season long animated series for the Stooges. Though the animated series has very crude animation, and tones down the physical gags immensely, it’s still a fun and charming little vehicle for the trio of comedy legends.






