Reviews and Blog Posts: Comedy

Happy Birthday, Dame Maggie Smith!

Submitted by Becker on December 28, 2011 - 7:33am

Dame Margaret Natalie Smith, aka Maggie Smith, was born December 28, 1934 in Essex, England. She is a highly respected actress, winner of 2 Academy Awards, 2 Golden Globes, 2 Emmy Awards, 2 SAG Awards, and a Tony. Her films have ranged from the serious to the comedic. She currently stars in the television series Downton Abbey. Check out one of the titles from her vast filmography today!

Othello (1964)

The V.I.P.s (1963)

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)

Travels with My Aunt (1972)

Death on the Nile (1978)

Bollywood Films!

Submitted by extra medium on October 24, 2011 - 5:31pm

You’ve never fallen in love unless there’s been a scene and costume change.

Here are some of my favorites:
Dil Chahta Hai – A story of 3 men and the summer they find love.
Chup Chup Ke – A swindler fakes his death, pretends to be deaf, then meets the girl of his dreams.

laugh it out

Submitted by Kelly on September 14, 2011 - 3:43pm

When I think of everything I want to accomplish in life, having as many laughs as possible comes to mind. Humor has a certain way of easing the fear & worry that is way too easy to carry with us in this modern world. In those moments when you laugh so hard that tears come to your eyes, it truly feels like everything is going to be just fine.

Visit the library and check out a book by one of these humorists and your nerves will thank you for it.

- Zombie Spaceship Wasteland by Patton Oswalt

- I Drink for a Reason by David Cross

- Bossypants by Tina Fey

Happy Birthday Steve Carell!

Submitted by Tara on August 16, 2011 - 12:31pm

Born on August 16, 1962 in Massachusetts, Steve Carell turns 49 today! Carell spent 6 years as Michael Scott on the TV show, The Office, and was also a correspondent for The Daily Show with John Stewart. Carell continues to make audiences guffaw with his comedic films.

Anchoman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Over the Hedge (2006)
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Evan Almighty (2007)

Happy Birthday Mel Brooks!

Submitted by Tara on June 28, 2011 - 9:27am

Mel Brooks, born Melvin Kaminsky on June 28th, 1926, turns 85 today! Brooks has been the recipient of the Oscar, Emmy, Tony and the Grammy. What is your favorite Mel Brooks' film?

Mel Brooks is the writer and/or director of these great films:

One Wild and Crazy Guy

Submitted by MelissaS on June 7, 2011 - 1:22pm

Don't you just love it when you stumble upon a book that you really want to take your time to read? Slowly and mindfully placing yourself in the right frame of mind and chair as you peel each page open with indulgence.

An Object of Beauty, Steve Martin's latest novel, is just that book. Tucked in its pages are color copies of both fine and contemporary art that accompany the story of the central character, Lacey Yeager, a young and ambitious woman who craves to make a name for herself in the art world. Similar to his previous book, Shopgirl, Martin develops a female character navigating her way towards what she feels is most important.

Happy Birthday Carol Burnett!

Submitted by Tara on April 25, 2011 - 2:57am

Born April 26, 1933, Carol Burnett turns 78 today! In her recent biography, This Time Together: Laughter and Reflections, the comedienne and singer discusses her successes on hit television programs such as The Carol Burnett Show as well as on stage while shedding light on personal tragedies she has endured and conquered.

Selected Filmography:

Celebrate National Library Week All Year Long

Submitted by Tara on April 17, 2011 - 8:52am

National Library Week may be over, but the impact the library has on our community and on popular culture lasts through the years. For an in depth look at this phenomenon, I recommend, The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Librarians Through Film.

Films that Feature Library Employees Include:

Laughter in Recovery

Submitted by Laurie. on April 13, 2011 - 5:20pm

Addiction is in the news and so is recovery.

You don't have to be an addict to have addiction touch your life. Family members, friends even co-workers may be struggling with addiction to food, drugs, or other destructive behaviors. Comedians, especially those who have struggled with addiction, can often say what others would never dare to voice. They shine a light on the painful subject and infuse laughter in the darkest moments of addiction. Comedians Chris Farley and John Belushi are reminders of the deadly consequences of addiction.

Elizabeth Taylor 1932-2011

Submitted by Tara on March 24, 2011 - 10:47am

Elizabeth Taylor: The Most Beautiful Woman in the World

Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor born on February 27, 1932 passed away of congestive heart failure on March 23, 2011. A Hollywood Legend, she was often referred to as "The Most Beautiful Woman in the World." Known for her charitable works and tumultuous relationships she also provided the voice for Maggie Simpson!

Her Filmography Includes: