6 Degrees of Seperation
Laugh Like It's 1999!
S. G. Lacey
​
There’s nothing better than 1990’s era comedies, especially for late-stage Gen Xers, who spent our formative years watching these hilarious films.
Below is a list of 7 chronological movies, spanning from 1990 to 1999, with each consecutive pair linked by a key factor. Actors, directors, soundtrack, budget, set location, writers, and production studio are all fair game.
Happy reminiscing as you scan through this mix of classics and duds. In this collection, there’s a joke for everyone.
1990 - January 16th: Shermer, IL
The premise of this movie is both completely absurd, and surprisingly relatable. Plus, the who doesn’t like a holiday-themed plot?
This is one of the iconic family films of the 1990’s. With a multitude of recognizable actors and actresses, including a child star in his first lead role. Unfortunately, the original unique storyline got played out again over multiple sequels, with decreased competence in both script and acting.
Despite the comedic theme, there’s still an undertone of familial love which we can all relate to, especially around Christmas, when the movie is set. Granted, most of us would be happy to spend a night in silent isolation over holidays, free from the multitude of ancestral drama.
While there’s not as many quotable lines as several comedies of this era, the simple sentence below sums up both the cause, and effect, of the entire plot.
Kate: “There are 15 people in this house, and you’re the only one who has to make trouble.”
With the irrational premise firmly established to the point of potential plausibility, the 2nd half of the movie provides an array of slapstick action scenes reminiscent of The 3 Stooges. The resilience displayed by the pair of antagonists, one tall and thin, the other short and stout, is one of the funniest parts of the film. One can’t help but laugh as they step on rusty nails, get hit with swinging paint cans, and loose hair to a well-placed blowtorch.
There are even a few dramatic scenes interspersed, including an initially creepy, but eventually compassionate, homeless man. This portray represented the limits of societal foreshadowing, in an affluent Midwest suburb, in a children’s tale, in an era of entertainment innocence. Still, a few absurd conspiracy theories about this shovel-wielding personage abound to this day. [REF]
Home Alone:
While this is the first movie of the 90’s, with no prior link, there are a few unique elements of interest to note regarding the film’s kid star. Macaulay Culkin.
​
Executing a pair of Home Alones, My Girl, The Good Son, and Richie Rich, all in the first half of the decade, put young Macaulay on an unsustainable path of acting prowess and theatrical stress. As he moved into his teenage years, his choice of roles, and lifestyle decisions, definitely shifted from his boyhood innocence. Despite Mr. Culkin’s attempts to rebuild his career in recent years, many of us have a fixed image of an impressionable 9-year-old boy with blond locks, a red sweater, and resourceful toy skills.
​
An interactive, GIF-filled, 20 question, Home Alone quiz. [REF]
1992 – March 13th: Beechum County, AL
Filmed almost exclusively on location, many elements of this rural southern landscape still play, even in this modern era of wokeness. That’s because this script is indiscriminately ruthless, breaking every southern persona, regardless of race, sex, and profession, into their condensed, stereotypical essence.
The plot is simple and logical, focusing on character development throughout the straightforward story. The action culminates in the courtroom, like many legal dramas of the 90’s, but this work leans decidedly humorous.
Some of the witness questioning, including the line below, keeps us wondering if this is what our legal system is truly like. The “jury of your peers” sentiment is decidedly apt.
Lawyer: “Trees, that's right. Don't be afraid, just shout 'em right out when you know 'em. And what are these thousands of little things that are on trees?”
Witness: “Leaves?”
Welcome to southern hillbilly wit.
This movie offers great casting with Ralph Macchio in his best role since the Karate Kid trilogy, and Fred Gwynne, of former Herman Munster TV fame, as the sleepy, jowly, small-town judge.
However, the lead actress, Marisa Tomei, playing the aptly named Ms. Mona Lisa Vito, steals the show, as evidenced by the Best Supporting Actress Oscar she earned for this role. In addition to her witty banter, the amusing urban NYC outfits her and her boyfriend continue to don in this rural Alabama locale, take this comedy over the top. [REF]
My Cousin Vinny = Joe Pesci:
There’s a key acting link between these two films, playing the antagonist for both movies, albeit in drastically different roles.
Joe Pesci was just shy of 50 years old when My Cousin Vinny came out, but still regularly cranking out movies in a variety of genres. He was in his acting element playing Vincent LaGuardia Gambini: bold, volatile, and of course, lude.
However, his role in Home Alone was decidedly different, requiring tactful gestures and family-friendly lyrics. Not exactly Mr. Pesci’s specialty, as evidenced by his Oscar-winning Goodfellas role, among others.
As one of the Wet Bandits, swearing was off the table. Fortunately, Pesci, leaning on his improvisation prowess, simply created a repertoire of fake swear words for the multitude of Home Alone injury action scenes. His new portfolio included “fridge”, replacing one of his favorite vulgar outbursts, along with several other exaggerated utterances and mannerisms, thereby cementing the hilarity of Harry, the incompetent burglar.
Check out these 29 obscure facts regarding the production and content in My Cousin Vinny. [REF]
1993 – July 28th: Sherwood Forest
It possible that more movies have been based on this story than any other Medieval series of events, including The Crusades. That’s likely because the actual facts are unknown, thus can be easily manipulated as desired. Action, drama, romance, comedy, this tale checks all the boxes.
Thus, it’s not surprising that an absurdly bastardized, comedic, version of this legend materialized in the early 1990’s. This work takes elements from the previous collection of thoroughly-research, generally historically accurate, offerings, and turns various key scenes into a cornucopia of parody.
One of the most amusing parts of this movie is how traditional, preconceived, notions of well-known plot and characters are awkwardly reimaged, often with cringe-worthy writing, and visually-striking costumes. Blazing Saddles would be proud; not surprisingly, considering this is a Mel Brooks produced work.
The following single line, and the pair of goofy characters involved, sums up the entire absurdity of this debatably cinematic effort.
Ahchoo: “No, I didn't say ‘Abe Lincoln’, I said 'Hey Blinkin.' Hold the reins, man.”
This lyrical amusement, between the black and blind contingent in the band of Merry Men, is embedded in a hilarious scene involving a fight for the right to use a bridge over a river which can be easily stepped across. It’s the principle of the thing.
Ahead of its time, this movie utilized blatant product placement, ranging from to Playboy to L’eggs to Life Savers. None of these corporate entities are going to turn down free marketing, despite the awkward content and usage in the film.
This movie is a dream for fans of puns. The sorceress Latrine, who wisely had her title changed from the original given name of Shithouse. The sheriff, who’s perpetual verbal dyslexia ends up with a Bagelle and Loxley joke. The renaming of the toilets to “Johns”, in honor of the corrupt king. Rabbi Tuckman, Jewish as opposed to the traditional Roman Catholic Friar, who’s moniker is personified by his circumcision side business.
The climactic scene for the film, though nowhere near the end of the movie, predictably features the infamous countywide Spring Festival archery contest. This iteration is a little different than other classic renditions of the tale, culminating with a “Patriot” arrow, which causes the sizable crowd to burst into a spontaneous wave, as they are temporarily displaced from their seats by this projectile. Fortunately, the core elements of competitor disguise and arrows splitting are ever-present.
When your dynamic crew of males wears green pantyhose, it’s necessary to pull out all the stops.
Robin Hood: Men In Tights – 20th Century Fox:
This was one of the powerhouse studios of the 1990’s, especially with regards to comedy films. Over the span of just 16 months, the company produce the previously discussed 2 blockbuster hits, along with many other funny works throughout the decade, including The Sandlot, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Office Space.
Albeit, not every film they funded during this time was a winner. In their 90’s comedy portfolio were also Nuns On The Run, Bushwhacked, and Jingle All The Way, which many have never heard of, or loathe if ever forced to watch. [REF]
Joining in the product placement theme, corporate advocates even snuck a 12th Century fox into the movie, as a message delivery vehicle. May as well join the shills with some free advertising.
10 ways of taking Robin Hood: Men In Tights way to seriously. [REF]
1994 – July 29th: Edge City, CA
This movie came out almost exactly a year after the offering previously discussed. The funding, motivations, and goals were decidedly different. But a singular link remained. Absurd, unconstrained, comedic relief.
This cinematic effort features a ridiculous plot, poor CGI, and a small budget. Not exactly the recipe for a blockbuster. However, one thing made this film a winner. The casting, most notably the lead actor, who epitomized comedies of this era.
This script reads more like a crime novel than a laughable yarn, leveraging heroine kidnapping, big band tunes, stacks of cash, a meddling detective, fancy antique cars, and a mob boss. Think toned down Al Capone during Prohibition.
Plus, a bright yellow zoot suit, which defies any context of explanation.
Another star character is not a human, but instead a different type of mammal. Milo, a Jack Russel terrier, who steals the show, and the magical powers, on which this film is based. Amusingly, this mutt’s poor behavior required constant improvisation throughout the production, further adding to the witty spontaneity.
While there’s a multitude of quotable scenes, some of the most amusing outbursts come in the form of one liners, delivered with exaggerated confidence by Stanley Ipkiss, the shy lead character, after donning an alter ego. Hence the proliferation of punctuation in the statements below. [REF]
“Ohh . . . Somebody, stop me!”
“That’s a spicy meat-a-ball!”
“Smokin!”
"It's party time! P-A-R-T-WhY? Because I gotta!"
"Hold on, Sugar! Daddy has got a sweet tooth tonight!"
"You gotta ask yourself one question. 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya? Punks!"
The final quote personifies the numerous spoofs which abound throughout this picture. From The Wizard Of Oz to The Fugitive, no film genre or obscure character is spared from mocking.
This movie, based on a 1980’s comic strip of the same name, with similar characters, was originally written into film as a horror. The final iteration, a family friendly, colorful, belly laughing, comedy is a far cry from the author’s initial intent. Probably for the better.
The other unique visual element of this work is the merging of live action and cartoon elements; a recurring method for integrating props and action throughout this imaginative flick. If you sense similarities to Who Framed Roger Rabbit graphics you would be correct, as the technology from this 1988 offering was leveraged and improved on here in 1994.
Plus, there’s a Loki Norse god theme, again well ahead of its time, considering the recent Marvel Universe success. With all this info, there’s plenty of potential links to contemplate.
The Mask – Amy Yasbeck:
This is a surprisingly hard connection to make. With the powerhouse cast in The Mask, Ms. Yasbeck’s supporting role, with few lines or scenes, blends into the background. However, her natural beauty, and acting skills, make her worthy in a variety of comedic roles. Clearly, she’s equally comfortable in a metal chastity belt, or a proper journalism skirt.
Yasbeck spent most of her acting career on TV shows, with an impressive portfolio of sit-coms ranging from Days Of Our Lives, to Magnum PI, to Wings. Now pushing 60 years old, and not having acted in 5 years, she seems content to be retired, and unfortunately widowed.
Jim Carrey, the lead actor in this film, cemented his position as the leading comedic force, with 3 blockbuster hits in 1994 alone. This middle offering, debatably the least well-known of the trio, provides the most insight into his unique acting expertise.
Very detailed background on making “The Mask”. [REF]
1996 – June 26th: Amish Country, PA
This entire movie centers around a sport which has steadily been fading from public consciousness for a variety of reasons. Bowling.
Rather than Wii video gaming on the couch at home, or children’s parties in well-lit, multi-purpose, entertainment centers, this film focuses on the seedy underbelly of traditional bowling establishments. Smoke-filled air. Pointy collar shirts. Pitchers of light beer. Custom 16-pound ball graphics. All of these elements are ever-present in the cinematography.
Cameos abound, not surprisingly featuring some of the top professional bowlers of the 1990’s, including southpaw Parker Bohn III, along with random appearances from Roger Clemens and Brad Faxon, of baseball and golf fame respectively.
The key characters of interest are the same as any sports-based fable: the rookie sensation, the alcoholic coach, an arch nemesis. But that’s where the similarities end between heartfelt tales of athletic achievement, and this debacle.
Maybe it’s the prosthetic hand. Or the Amish family ties. Or the relentless gambling, and brawling. Or the complete misunderstanding of the game’s basic rules. Or the condom sponsorship. Regardless, this plot takes a sharp turn from 90’s classics like Rudy and Varsity Blues.
If you’re looking to watch washed-up thespians, past their prime, but still dropping intermittent laughable moments, this is the flick for you. With classics like White Men Can’t Jump, Caddy Shack, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation under their collective belts, this trio of lead male actors knows how to be funny. Or used to.
Amazing comedies go beyond fundamental skill, requiring innate rapport and feel between the characters. In that regard, many of the key scenes feel awkward and clunky, though it’s unclear if this element is a feature, or a bug, of the desired cinematic execution.
Granted, the script doesn’t exactly allow for causal, innocent delivery, as evidenced by these bowling banter lines word smithed by Big Ern, the film’s lead instigator, at various points.
“You’re on a gravy train with biscuit wheels.”
“It's a small world when you've got unbelievable tits Roy.”
“Pressure? Yeah, there was some pressure, I mean I didn't wanna lose to a guy with a hook.”
​
Not surprisingly, this comedic offering was the least profitable movie on this list, its crazy online cult following notwithstanding. It would take another two years for the bowling plot line to be truly exploited in hilarious form, albeit with a much more dynamic plot, and unique cast of memorable characters. [REF]
Kingpin – $25 Million Budget:
Both Kingpin and The Mask had a nearly identical budget under $25 million, middle of the road for a comedy of this era. Sentimentalism aside, it’s likely not hard to pick which one was more profitable.
While the Woody Harrelson-lead Amish bowling dystopia was happy to break even, the comic-turned-reality production, relying on Jim Carrey’s irregularities, eclipsed $350 million in revenue, for a nearly 25X return. Not bad for some green face paint.
Carrey’s lead acting prowess in The Mask earned him a Golden Globe nomination, and the innovative cartoon graphics garnered best visual effects praise at the Academy Awards.
Typical of greedy movie studios, the success of The Mask” lead New Line Cinema to immediately press for a sequel. Even after Jim Carrey turned down $10 million for the lead actor role, the company forged ahead, creating the disjointed Son of the Mask in 2005, with no actor, character, entertainment, or plot ties. Not surprisingly, this was a complete flop, not even recouping the initial investment cost.
15 amusing facts about the amassed cast of Kingpin, a film which clearly came together organically. [REF]
1998 – July 15th: Rhode Island & Florida
A sexy woman with multiple competing suitors. Unfounded gossip and verbal manipulation laced throughout. The right couple finally getting together at the end. This could be any of a few dozen 90’s era rom-coms.
Add in a fight over a baseball. And a modern singing bard. And a genital zipper incident. That should narrow the field.
Considering the multitude of male suitors, including a cameo from one of the best NFL quarterbacks of all time, it helps to examine multiple quotes from this famously funny film. The trio of inappropriate utterances below, spread throughout the movie, and executed by multiple characters, highlight the adult-themed throughline of this comedy. [REF]
Mary: “Who needs him? I’ve got a vibrator!”
Dom: “Getting your dick stuck in your zipper was the best thing that ever happened to you.”
Magda: “The last time I had a pap smear, the guy needed leather gloves and an oyster shucker.”
In contrast to the multitude of family-friendly comedies of the 1990’s, this movie is decidedly lude, vulgar, and overtly sexual. Which offers up plenty of comedic fodder.
There aren’t many movies which use cum as hair gel, tackle the topic of entangling one’s penis, and incorporate a voyeur stalking scene. There are only a few personalities who are comfortable in this realm, from both the inspiration and execution standpoint.
There’s Something About Mary – Farrelly Brothers:
There’s something about these innovative screenplays which we don’t know.
With 3 written, directed, and/or produced comedies in the 90’s, 2 of which turned out to be blockbusters, this pair of brother’s careers was off to a good start. They even wrote a guest episode, The Virgin, for Seinfeld in 1992.
The 2000’s were more hit or miss for this familial duo, with the success of Shallow Hal, using the still emerging Jack Black, offset by the flop of The Heartbreak Kid, which stared Ben Stiller in his prime. Not every film execution can be a winner.
Another tie-in is Lin Shayne, the surprisingly friendly actress, who made her career staring in horror films, and who portrays some form of creepy old lady in nearly all Farrelly Brothers comedies. Plus, the easily recognizable Chris Elliott, who’s irrational behavior and exaggerated mannerisms are evident on both films.
Multiple choice quiz for There’s Something About Mary with pictures from the movie to help. [REF]
1999 – July 9th: East Great Falls High
This movie addresses topics and feelings which all of us had, as we transitioned from tweenagers to adults. Countless movies have documented the mental insecurity and irrational behavior of this volatile age group. But this plot and cast took the hilarity to a new level of inappropriate accuracy.
This movie does an excellent job portraying high school experiences which everyone can relate to, addressing ever-present personas and themes. The Jock. The Band Geek. The Loner. The Nerd. The MILF. Another key element enhancing the realism is the prevalence of nicknames. The Sherminator. Oz, or Casanova. Shitbreak. Vicky. And of course, The Stifmeister.
This film provides a clear transitions popular comedy format from the 90’s to the aughts. The savvy casting, using several relatively unknown teenagers, who could easily relate to the sentiments of the imagined characters, allows the entire production to seem organic and natural. This innovative flick, on a tiny $10 million budget, spurred the careers for many involved.
Sex, and virginity, represent the core plot elements of this movie; with various male and female perspectives both being presented. The overall take away is that teenagers have a lot of hormonal activity. Which provides a perfect palate for comedic banter.
Like many successful offerings of this era, several sequels, spin offs, and sub-plots, were subsequently commissioned and executed, with varying degrees of success. Capitalizing on consumers is a core Hollywood mantra.
The connection between these final two 90’s era comedies is plot based, as opposed to shared talent, production, or financials. For those struggling to find the link, the following quote, part of a heartfelt conversation between father and son, can hopefully provide a final hint. [REF]
Dad: "I have to admit, you know, I did the fair bit of masturbating when I was a little younger. I used to call it stroking the salami, yeah, you know, pounding the old pud. I never did it with baked goods, but you know your uncle Mort, he pets the one-eyed snake five or six times a day."
This gold, and pretty much every line by actor Eugene Levy, throughout the entire movie, was spontaneously improvise. Much like most important conversations related to patriarchal insight in real life.
American Pie – Movie Masturbation:
It’s amazing how acceptance of subjects changes in public consciousness over time. With regards to the entertainment industry, the 1990’s were the decade of long overdue acknowledgement of gays and lesbians, mimicking societal shifts at the political polls.
Less known, or relevant, this period also ushered in the era of self-pleasure as a comedic tool. Personal pleasure, portrayed through nefarious nervousness, or desert desire, is element in both of these risqué films.
A final nod needs to be given to Cameron Diaz, who, while not a link between any two subsequent movies discussed, personified the spunky feminine lead of this decade’s most laughable works. While Diaz has moved on to more dramatic roles of late, she broke out as a comedic star. Her tomboy tendencies are well-known in the film industry; as evidence by her penchant for sports scenes.
It’s amazing to think that Diaz made her acting debut in 1994, in the previously discussed film with a green man in a yellow suit. Just 5 years later, she was a household name, staring in a variety of successful comedies throughout the 1990’s.
15 great insights from the casting and filming of American Pie which explain why this movie was so successful, and wholesome. [REF]
Movie Nerds Unite:
The go-to website for all information movie related, including character details, acting chronology, box office performance, and, of course, audience reviews. [REF]
​
Very large online database of searchable movie quotes, with screening criteria for a variety of film parameters. [REF]
Details on the highest grossing comedies by year, and of all time, with many of the flicks discussed above making an appearance. [REF]
Bravo’s compiled list of the 100 best comedy movies ever, circa 2013, with Rotten Tomatoes scores referenced. Let the debates begin. [REF]