Film Junk Poll: Who is the Best Current Comedy Star?

Posted by on March 19th, 2009   Filed under: Comedy, Polls

The world of comedy is a constantly evolving one, and it seems that once you’re on top, there is nowhere else to go but down. Once upon a time, box office giants like Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler ruled the roost, but over the past couple of years, Judd Apatow and his posse have started to take over the genre. By spreading out the roles across a number of different actors they have wisely avoided emphasis on any one star. That being said, people like Seth Rogen and Will Ferrell are still constantly accused of overexposing themselves. So, is there a top actor in the world of comedy right now? Who is the funniest and most successful of the bunch? Cast your vote in this week’s poll, and since I know there are many other possible candidates that wouldn’t fit, discuss your favourite funny men (and women) in the comments below.

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  • I know it’s getting old to even say this, but I am tired of the whole Apatow crew. Its not that they aren’t funny… it’s just enough already… at least for a little while.

    Guess they gotta strike while the iron is hot and all…

  • Its not even close for me, Will Ferrell is still fucking hilarious. He may not always pick the best movies and he does the same schtick but that schtick imho is still golden. Paul Rudd is not really a comedian but he’s still awesome.

  • Tina Fey needs to do a movie.

  • Jim Carrey still does it for me. I know he hasn’t done a lot recently, but I think he’s proven in recent years to be more versatile than anyone from the Apatow clan. Of those not on the poll, I enjoy Bill Murray, Steve Martin, and Billy Crystal. None of them are current, but I can’t think of any major studio comedies that I’ve enjoyed in the last five or ten years anyway.

  • Despite being a one trick pony, I really like Michael Cera. I’m sorry, but his line delivery in Juno and Superbad are the best parts of the movies. He’s more of a straight man, I guess, but I love his delivery method.

  • Neil M

    Michael Cera’s performance in Clark and Michael is enough to land him a spot on that poll.

    I don’t think Jason Segel should be there. I mean, he’s only had one starring role so far (not counting I Love You, Man). He was good in Forgetting Sarah Marshal, but not THAT good.

    I still think Ferrell is brilliant.

  • heapshake

    I went with Rudd although I haven’t seen I Love You Man yet. Jack Black is another that I’d consider for the title although I’m afraid he might become the next Robin Williams. Although I wouldn’t put him up with the guys on the poll, I think Steve Zahn is a good comedic actor.

  • Greg

    Jack Black would be a top choice. Amy Poehler, Will Arnett and Anna Faris too.

    I voted for Tina Fey because 30 Rock is the funniest show on television…well…that or Eastbound and Down.

  • Xu

    Danny McBride!

  • Clark and Michael? What is that? NetFlix has never heard of it.

  • Neil M
  • rus in chicago

    Sacha Noam Baron Cohen, hello? anyone? anyone?

    whoever wins this bad list will be retired once Bruno hits the screens later this summer. He is the only true comedic genius working today. The way he develops characters and stays in character while filming hours of interaction with the public is brilliant and take real balls. Pulse his comedy has layers of discourse on race, class, image. Ferrell is funny and great with timing, but its just the loud, dumb guy bit. Adam Sandler the same with a finger on the pulse of adolescent boys. Fey is best on TV because of her writing with Carell second.

    No, Sacha Noam Baron Cohen is the man, period.

  • Mane

    Way to make a diverse list film junk. Apparently black people aren’t funny anymore. How about some Craig Robinson love. He has been stealing scenes from all these people’s films/tv shows for years now.

  • I did consider Chris Rock and Tracy Morgan, but neither had done any noteworthy movies recently. You’re right about Craig Robinson though… he deserves to be on this list.

  • Paul Andrews

    Simon Pegg for me. Hasn’t done a bad movie (yet). I suspect Ricky Gervais will get there when he’s done a few more. I agree with Ashley though; comedy films just don’t seem that funny at the moment. I’ve given up going to see tham at the cinema to avoid disappointment, though I’ll probably go and see the new Richard Curtis film next month.