MovieChat Forums > It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) Discussion > There needs to be a modern equivalent.

There needs to be a modern equivalent.

posted 10 years ago by Gum_Bercules
8 replies | jump to latest

Not necessarily a remake or a chase movie, but a big production of comedy with all the current comedians and comedic stars working on the same project. Joining different styles of comedy together in one big über production of hilarity.

But they really need to make an epic of it, like Mad World was, with some really big names.

If they got all the best modern comics working together making an awesome eclectic mash of comedy, I would totally watch the hell out of that movie.

[–] snelling 10 years ago

They already tried (and failed) in 2001 with "Rat Race" and it was painful to watch; even free, I got an advance ticket.

"I will not go down in history as the greatest mass-murderer since Adolf Hitler!" - Merkin Muffley

[–] Gum_Bercules 10 years ago

Yeah, I saw that. Trouble with that one was they had a pre-written script that left little room for the few comedians they had, such as Lovitz, Atkinson and Goldberg, to work with.

Basically, what I'm saying is that I would really enjoy it if they get the different types and styles of comedians together for a movie, but let them riff and experiment in different scenes until they come up with the greatest line, pratfall, reaction etc.

With a good comedian or comic, a script in this vein should be a guideline, not a pre-determined verbatim regurgitation. (As far as I can think, anyway).

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[–] greenleafie 10 years ago

Million Dollar Mystery (1987) is a virtual rewrite of Mad World. A man drops dead of a heart attack from eating the local chili at a dessert diner, and gives a group of strangers clues as to where he's hidden several million dollars in stolen money. A crazy chase ensues, with a couple of comical FBI agents in hot pursuit.

[–] oprlvr33 10 years ago

Which also was a fudd. Just watched that recently, and grew bored half way through, but was curious to see how it ended (just for grins) The acting was mediocre at best, or at least a very mediocre "script"

Peanutlee33

[–] bing-57 9 years ago

There's also, "Scavenger Hunt".

--
What Would Jesus Do For A Klondike Bar (WWJDFAKB)?

[–] coldnaps 9 years ago

Even a true epic-style remake could fail. First, most participants would have to settle for less than their usual pay; otherwise, it would be ridiculously expensive. Second, don't know how many of today's comics could really improv as much as the characters did. Third, some of today's so-called comics simply aren't that funny. Ferrell, Carrey and Carell come to mind immediately.

But it really would be interesting to see something like that made, with all kinds of cameos as well.

[–] woowoo-6 9 years ago

On a different take, almost all of the actors here were easily recognizable; and the main cast were true superstars in their time. They weren't second bananas (the main cast); but having said that, most were already past their superstar stage and could be almost said to be semi-retired. Some hadn't been seen in years on a regular basis. One of the great things about this movie is getting all these legendary main and second banana comics - all truly talented, hard-working professionals - together one last time for a big blow-out extravaganza. I think that's what's missed by younger viewers, whether you like the movie or not.

I truly don't believe there are any modern-day comic actors of that caliber that are also so revered. There are some smaller type movies with an ensemble cast of current popular 'funny guys' like say, Tropic Thunder, but I think that's all you're going to get for the foreseeable future.

[–] maitch-1 9 years ago

Unfortunately autre temps autre moeurs (different times, different customs) comes in to play here. Not the least of which is a perception I have that as a society we have become much more self centred, arrogant, selfish, aloof, cool...colder if you will. There has been a diminishment of "community."

Some/many actors reflect this change in society. They would appear to very much do their own thing. The industry is so much bigger, and I wonder if the networking/community is there amongst the very best actors, directors, producers etc.

I assume in the late 50's early 60's the industry as a whole was much more closely knit than now. However, they ALL still seem to get together for the Golden Globes/Oscars.

I'd love to see a potential all star ensemble cast doing a well written, funny movie. I'd start with Jack as the lead player.

I wonder which entrepreneur could get everyone together for an all star blockbuster.

"Take away the pain, but leave the swelling."