Recently, I have been filled with unwavering joy and enthusiasm. Largely in part to finals being over, so now I don’t feel like my anxiety is going to completely eat me alive. Ever since this bane of existence has ended, the sun has begun to shine a little brighter, the birds have started chirping a bit louder, and my shorts in my closet have been looking all the more appealing.
Frankly, the only thing that could make my life any better is the guilt free feeling of laughing at inappropriate, gruesome, and controversial moments put to screen. So, what better than a dark comedy to soak up the summer sun? To celebrate the joy of summer, prepare some popcorn, queue up your go-to streaming service, and get ready to bust a lung at some of my all-time favorite dark comedies (spoiler-free)!
The Nice Guys (2016)
Ryan Gosling has seen a massive resurgence with his recent blockbuster hit, “Project Hail Mary”. While this movie is amazing, I particularly love his role in “The Nice Guys”. Gosling has pumped out numerous different roles and characters. But, his portrayal of a lovable loser in this film is one of my all-time favorites.
This 2016 action-comedy features Russell Crowe, a hired enforcer, and Gosling, a private investigator who team up together to uncover a mysterious disappearance. The plot is relatively simple. But, it leaves the audience captivated through its unpredictable twists and turns, contorting into more than just a disappearance. Though the story shines primarily with its witty remarks, over the top action, and gruesome nature, I genuinely found myself caring and feeling empathetic to the characters. This is largely in part to the undeniable chemistry between Gosling and Crowe, making an unstoppable pair.
This is truly the perfect summer watch. Taking place in 1970s L.A., the bright and vibrant nature of the film stands in stark contrast with the subject matter. In one scene you’ll be admiring the oversaturated 70s color palette and then immediately be grimacing at Ryan Gosling getting forcefully manhandled in action sequences. I’m not sure cinema gets much better than that. “The Nice Guys” sequel when?
Better Off Dead (1985)
Lane Meyer is a troubled high school student. Recently dumped by his girlfriend, Beth, in favor of the ski team captain. This loss sparks awkward encounters of Meyer trying to win Beth back. As well as painful attempts at trying to stir up jealousy in her. He assumes there is no way he’ll get her back, leading him to thinking death is the only solution to his misery. There are many attempts in the film, each more chaotic than the last.
However, Charles, his friend, who tries to get high off of anything attempts to talk some sense into him. This leads to his ultimate goal of skiing down the K-12. He believes this will be the nail in the coffin of getting Beth back.
The story is anything but straightforward with races against Japanese drag racers, French foreign exchange student Monique, boiled bacon breakfast, and rampant newspaper boys. This movie is a fever dream and that’s exactly why I love it. There’s always fifty things going on at once, but it is truly hilarious. This movie killed me with laughter, and I truly think it is a staple in the genre.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
The best, grittiest, and darkest Christmas movie of all time. “But! But! These are dark comedies for summer!” I can hear you protesting. However, I pose the question: what’s so wrong with working up the seasonal spirit a bit early huh? (also “Better off Dead” takes place during the holidays too ha!)
“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is a murder mystery wrapped up in lies, absurdity, and misadventure. The narrator and protagonist is Harry Lockhart, played by Robert Downey Jr. a thief from New York. Harry finds himself crashing a movie audition after a robbery gone wrong, resulting in the death of his friend. The movie audition gets misinterpreted as top tier method acting, leading him to a screen test in L.A. where he is reunited with his childhood crush, Harmony.
Harry is tasked with investigating a homicide case for his childhood crush as a detective with the help of an actual private investigator, Gay Perry, as portrayed by Val Kilmer. Throughout the movie Harry has to juggle his various personalities and facades. This film is particularly humorous in the use of narration, with common fourth wall breaks, adding to the thoughts and feelings of the viewer. A criminally underrated performance for both Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer. A cult classic for a reason!
Thank You for Smoking (2005)
Nick Naylor is a tobacco lobbyist who is the front man for the Academy of Tobacco Studies. He makes his living claiming there is no link to lung disease from smoking. This film is further complicated with Naylor’s home life, trying to be a role model for his son and romantic relations that threaten not only his credibility, but career. Offering not only several laughs, but also thoughtful critiques of political lobbying, manipulation of the truth for financial profit, and what is truly “right.”
This movie is everything a dark comedy needs, witty remarks, sarcasm, and relevance. I particularly love Aaron Eckhart’s portrayal of Naylor, being a slimy and corrupt lobbyist, while simultaneously juggling being a stand-up father. As the viewer, I appreciated his humor and complex moral compass. Eckhart’s portrayal of Naylor is further strengthened with strong supporting performances from Robert Duvall and J.K. Simmons. Naylor’s character contributed to many laugh out loud moments, particularly when he gets invited to his son’s school for career day. The secondhand embarrassment and delivery was wonderful. I can confidently say, “Thank You for Smoking” is sure to spark your interest!
Dogma (1999)
Stay with me here, what if two angels got cast out of heaven and exiled to Wisconsin for all of entirety? Furthermore, what if they found a loophole that involved a New Jersey church rededication in which they received a plenary indulgence that would absolve them of all sins so they could return to heaven? If this sounds at all interesting, you’re in luck, because this is exactly what happens in “Dogma”!
This film by Kevin Smith is hilarious, sacrilegious, and ridiculous in all the best ways. Represented by a stunning cast including Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Alan Rickman, and Linda Fiorentino, playing a variety of demons, angels, sinners, saints, and everything in between. This cast of unlikely heroes must work together to try and stop these fallen angels from proving God fallible, and unraveling existence entirely. As the cherry on top, the Buddy Christ meme came from this movie. This alone is reason enough to add “Dogma” to your watch list.
Make sure to check out Jordan’s thoughtful take on video games: What Makes Video Games Fun to Watch?
