Movies - TV
The 15 Best Comedy Movies From Black Directors
By BRENT FURDYK
She's Gotta Have It
Made on a low budget of $175,000, “She's Gotta Have It” follows the romantic conundrums of Nola Darling as she dates three very different men. The funniest bits come courtesy of director Spike Lee's character and his mile-a-minute chatter, most evident when Mars begs Nola, “Please, baby, please, baby, please baby, baby, please.”
Hollywood Shuffle
In this semi-autobiographical movie, writer-director Robert Townsend plays aspiring actor Bobby Taylor, who auditions for stereotypical roles while paying the bills by working at Winky Dinky Dog. The film's funniest bits come during Bobby's fantasy dream sequences, which function as comedy sketches within the film.
I'm Gonna Git You Sucka
In the blaxploitation spoof “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” Keenen Ivory Wayans plays a military veteran who sets out to stop crime boss Mr. Big. The comedy is big, broad, silly, and it ultimately paved the way for Wayans' success with his FOX sketch-comedy series “In Living Color.”
House Party
“House Party” is about a party that Play, of popular rap duo Kid 'n Play, throws when his folks are out of town and how Kid overcomes obstacles to finally make it to the big bash. Director Reggie Huldin told the L.A. Times of its bankable cultural specificity, “If you can make a film that is culturally uncompromised, it will still have broad appeal.”
Friday
“Friday” is a buddy comedy that follows weed-loving slacker duo Craig and Smokey during one day in South Central when they’re given a life-threatening ultimatum. Along with the two leads, “Friday” has a top-notch cast playing colorful characters, endlessly quotable lines, and a refreshing depiction of the hood.