Comedy

Figuring the answers to the mystery lie in the old Simmons mansion, so Luther Heggs (Knotts) visits the estate at the witching hour of midnight. Certain he's seen a ghost, Luther writes a story which makes front page news-and brings on a libel suit from the mansion's owner. When the trial judge orders an investigation=and no apparition appears-Luther is branded a fraud. That is, until he and his devoted girlfriend team up to uncover the mystery of the hauntings-and the true murderer-in this timeless comedy classic.

Jane Fonda was so respected as a serious actress that her comedy chops sometimes were overlooked. But it should be remembered that her first real hits (Barefoot in the Park, Cat Ballou) were comedies. This underrated 1977 outing also played for laughs, though it had social-satire underpinnings that still ring true. Fonda and George Segal play an upwardly mobile couple in the time before yuppies--think of them as protoyuppies. But their status-oriented existence suffers what could be a fatal blow when hubby is maneuvered out of his job.

The champagne is flowing - and so is the fun - in this "delightful and sly" (Roger Ebert) romantic comedy about two people who belong together but just can't seem to tie the knot. Ushering in two Academy Award nominations, and starring Hugh Grant (Notting Hill), Andie MacDowell (Michael) and a superb ensemble cast that includes Oscar-nominee Kristin Scott Thomas, Four weddings And A Funeral is truly "a very special occasion" --Rolling Stone. Charlie (Grant) is always the best man but never the groom.

Matthew Perry stars as Alex Whitman, a New Yorker sent to Las Vegas to oversee a construction project. There he meets Isabel Fuentes (Salma Hayek) and some serious chemistry brings them together for one night. But Alex doesn't see Isabel again until three months later, when he learns that she is pregnant. On a whim and a prayer, he proposes. However, there's more to marriage than a Vegas chapel and an Elvis impersonator, as Alex and Isabel soon learn.

Matt Dillon stars in this coming-of-age story which is funny, fast-moving and surprisingly emotional. It's the summer of '63 and Jeffrey Willis (Matt Dillon) has decided to escape his poor Brooklyn family for the summer by accepting a job as a cabana boy at the El Flamingo Beach Club on Long Island. Working around the glitz and glamour. Jeffrey realizes that these "beautiful people" are a sharp contrast to his own family. Life in the fast lane seems much more appealing than what he's got at home.

If you liked Clueless... you'll love Emma! This delightfully fun and lighthearted comedy is based on the story that inspired the hit movie Clueless! Dazzling Gwyneth Paltrow shines as Emma - a mischievous young beauty who sets up her single friends. Funny thing is... she's not very good at it! So when Emma tries to find a man for Harriet (Collette), she makes a hilariously tangled mess of everyone's lives. You'll enjoy all the comic confusion... until Emma herself falls in love, finally freeing everyone from her outrageously misguided attempts at matchmaking!

Rodney Dangerfield gets a load of respect - and a chunk of change - in Easy Money! Joined by Joe Pesci and Jennifer Jason Leigh, Dangerfield is outrageous as a working-class buffoon who takes on the first-class tycoons in this million-dollar comedy! Monty Capuletti (Dangerfield) has everything money can't buy - a loving wife, two devoted daughters - and a few things it can: He drinks, smokes, gambles and eats way too much! But Monty couldn't be happier - especially when he learns that his mother-in-law has left him a hefty inheritance.

You'd think a black comedy about murder, tackiness, and sexual perversion would quickly become dated, but Eating Raoul (1982) feels surprisingly fresh and delightful. When Mary Bland (Mary Woronov) gets assaulted by one of the repulsive swingers from the neighboring apartment, her husband Paul (Paul Bartel) rescues her with a swift blow from a frying pan--only to discover a substantial wad of cash in the swinger's wallet.

Kevin Kline took home an Oscar for his performance as a self-absorbed lothario who prepares for lovemaking by drinking in his own "manly" musk, but it would be hard to single him out as the best thing about the film. The fact is, the entire cast of this hilarious comedy is perfect: John Cleese as the conservative barrister defending a member of sexy Jamie Lee Curtis's gang, Ms. Curtis as the conniving crook out to grab the haul for herself, and Michael Palin as the stuttering, animal-loving hit man whose attempts to murder a little old lady only decrease the size of her poodle pack.

It's Awesome! Totally Awesome! Fast times at Ridgemont High, directed by Amy Heckerling (Clueless), is simply a modern cult classic. First-time screenwriter Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire), went undercover as a high school student and came back with the straight dope on sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, while capturing some of the most memorable screen characters ever.