For the next six weeks, TIFF Bell Lightbox is offering a chance to revisit and relive some of the greatest comedy films ever made as it presents TOGA! The Reinvention of American Comedy from July 17 to Aug. 29.
It’s a chance to see some films that have defined generations. This retrospective series, which also welcomes important filmmakers as guest speakers, features such films as Animal House, Ghostbusters, Beverly Hills Cop and Up In Smoke.
While it’s hard to go wrong in picking out which films to see, here are some of our top picks from this celebration of classic comedy.
Animal House
It’s the patient-zero of comedies. Not only to you get to partake in the viewing of this influential and incomparable film with a theatre full of enthusiastic patrons, but prior to the screening, you get to join the cast in reflection. Thirty-five years have passed since the film first hit theatres, and Ivan Reitman, John Landis, Tim Matheson, Stephen Furst and others will take part in a discussion on stage. It’s a reunion you don’t want to miss.
July 18, 7 p.m.
Caddyshack
Another film that has been quoted for decades, featuring memorable characters played by comedians at their peak. Harold Ramis’ raunchy 1980 comedy has Bill Murray as a goof, Chevy Chase as a smug jerk and Rodney Dangerfield as a drinking, smoking, sarcastic, disrespected club member — roles for which they would become known for years to come.
July 21, 6 p.m.
Old School
This very quotable and very entertaining Will Ferrell/Vince Vaughn/Luke Wilson vehicle is one of the most memorable comedies of the 2000s, offering up an Animal House-esque college movie for a new generation. Snoop Dogg raps, Ferrell goes streaking and Jeremy Piven plays an unlikeable Dean in this hysterical collaboration between Todd Phillips (The Hangover, also playing in the series) and Ivan Reitman (a guest during the series).
August 15, 9:15 p.m.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Even if it didn’t have a sequel on the way later this year, this star-studded and ridiculously fun 2004 film is yearly required viewing. Will Ferrell is the famous Ron Burgundy, a scotch-drinking, old-school news anchor who’s world is shaken when a woman enters the work force. Christina Applegate holds her own with the men in playing Veronica Corningstone, a smart, funny, well-written and important female character.
August 17, 7:35 p.m.
There’s Something About Mary
This dirty, absurdist movie by the Farrelly brothers seemed to usher in a new generation of adult comedy when it was released in 1998. The raunchy journey follows a group of men obsessed with the blonde-haired Mary (Cameron Diaz), which includes Ben Stiller, Matt Dillon, Chris Elliott and even Brett Favre. An unforgettable opening scene, which sends a young Stiller to the hospital, gives way to other uncomfortable and outrageous laughs, including a line from Diaz that is still funny to this day.
August 20, 9 p.m.
TOGA! The Reinvention of American Comedy, TIFF Bell Lightbox, July 17 to Aug. 29