True, family entertainment is a rare gem indeed. Perhaps my outlook on family entertainment could seem kind of old fashioned compared to this Politically Correct world. All I know is my own opinion and that is, classic slapstick. The Muppet Show, Three Stooges, Looney Tunes, Marx Brothers, Kenan & Kel, All That, etc Great family shows. I think last time I seen my best friend we were talking about how you don't need swearing and sexual humor all the time to be funny. It's good if it's done classy, but not over done. Because you can still do great character comedy and even a bit of satire if it's done classy and witty. Like Dinosaurs and Classic Simpsons. Great examples, sure they were more edgier but that's what get's the adults attention. One great thing I love about The Muppets is there's something for everyone, most people of all ages can relate to slapstick. Basic human tragitiy like a stomp on the foot, a pie in the face, water spilling on you, crazy confusing situations, etc. And of course my first love of comedy, silliness. You can be as surreal, wild, crazy, and as out of control as you want and who are you going to offend? No one, they are just going to be confused. And sometimes, that's a plus laughter right there. lol
You don't see pure characters much anymore, maybe some CGI movies perhaps but I think The Muppets have been pure.
It's sad how TV shows need to reply on toilet humor to get a cheap laugh. Especially stuff like Ice Age and all that CGI stuff. What ever happened to stock character archtypes where you can make them dysfunctional, or have some sort of problem that's comical but prove they are innocent.
I too miss that a bit. One of these days, I'd love to write a G or PG rated movie script to kind bring back that sort of thing.
Even Vaudeville was such great family entertainment in the day. There was no movies, to radio shows, only books, papers, and theater.
For example I still like going to local musicals with my mother like Grease, West Side Story, Your a Good Man Charle Brown. Because even though I love to pester my mother for the fun of it of something that I find funny and she finds innopropirate from time to time, sometimes sitting down watching something that's pure and classy and family entertainment with my own mother is just as fun
We need more of that kind of stuff.
Like what Jim said on how TV Networks need to take some responsibility on what they are putting out there.
Totally agree. But I don't want to put risky adult comedy down because I like that sort of thing too but when it's done with class. A great example is this thread. When Jim and Frank perform The Muppets on Late Night, sure they say things that they would never normally say. But no matter how risky, The Muppets always did it with class. Even if sex was the subject matter, they can do it without getting horribly dirty about it. Know what I mean
Even my favorite comedians
Rodney Dangerfeild
Bob Hope
Johnny Carson
Great Funny stuff, it's sad that Hollywood can't get talent like that anymore. How to take something risky and still put a smile and a healthy laugh on someones face and give them a positive thought when leaving the theater or after watching a show. Now it's just shock value. It's horrible. Even Satire knows a fine line and knows that they need philosophy to back up their point.
Anyway, sorry about my ramblings. But like I said, it's my specialty. lol
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