April Fools’ Day may not be as ceremonial as Christmas, Hanukkah or Eid, but there is always at least one person who never fails to remind their peers of the occasion with a facetious joke. This year, don’t allow another “April Fools!” exclamation to slide by without an intentional laugh. Here are some picks guaranteed to make someone laugh this April Fools’ Day.
“School of Rock” (2003)
Starring the one and only Jack Black as the iconic idiot, Dewey Finn, “School of Rock” is the perfect foolery film to watch on April Fools’ Day. When Dewey answers a phone call meant for his best friend and roommate, Ned Schneebly, seeking a long-term substitute teacher at a private school, he does what any broke rocker would do … He pretends to be Mr. Schneebly for a paycheck.
At the school, he meets a class full of students who are used to rigid structure and restrained individuality. Dewey is in no way ok with such rules and decides to teach the kids how to rock, roll and rebel. If he’s stuck playing the role of a private school teacher, he figures he might as well have some fun and teach what he knows.
The comedy film is endearing as well as hilarious and earned itself a Broadway adaptation with music by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber and Glenn Slater in 2015, starring Alex Brightman as Dewey. The soundtracks for both versions are incredibly fun and worth the listen for anyone who would rather embark on the musical journey, especially the Broadway adaptation.
Also featuring the skills of Miranda Cosgrove as Summer Hathaway, Mike White as Ned Schneeby, Joan Cusack as Rosalie Mullins and Sarah Silverman as Patty Di’Marco, “School of Rock” is a PG-13 fun-filled film for anyone to enjoy.
“Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993)
The 1994 winner of two Golden Globes in 1994 for Best Motion Picture – Comedy and Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy, “Mrs. Doubtfire” is a family favorite film featuring none other than the late Robin Williams.
When Daniel (Williams) and Miranda (Sally Field) Hillard divorce on the premise of their marital troubles, Miranda begins the search for a housekeeper to run the household. After numerous calls, she is delighted by the sound of “Mrs. Doubtfire,” an older English woman who is unknowingly her ex-husband.
The methodical voice actor hilariously transforms himself into a woman, thanks to his brother’s artistic talents. Mrs. Doubtfire runs an efficient operation that the Hillard children — Chris, Lydia and Natalie — must follow. Before Miranda returns from work, homework is done, chores are completed and the children have consumed a healthy, nutritious meal.
Miranda begins dating her old friend ‘Stu,’ portrayed by the handsomely irresistible Pierce Brosnan, sending Daniel into a hilarious fit of rage. Amid the humor, Mrs. Doubtfire is a conglomerate of characteristics that Daniel lacked: dependable, attentive and orderly.
Despite the initial encounter, the children grow to love and appreciate her. Miranda and Mrs. Doubtfire build a strong bond, providing Daniel with intel on getting his family back together. He cleans up his act and impresses Miranda immensely, but it’s only a matter of time until they discover who the person is behind the mask.
While there are many laughable moments, the story is also heartbreaking as it demonstrates the lengths Daniel is willing to go to remain in his children’s lives.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
The best known claim to fame for the British comedy troupe by the name of Monty Python, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” is a parody, spoof-style comedy film following the story of King Arthur. The humor is ridiculous and leaves pleasantly entertained audiences wondering, at times, what the heck they are watching.
The film has earned a fiercely loyal fanbase that has prevailed for just over fifty years now. Younger audiences might not know that “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” is one of five films and three television series starring the troupe of six.
The film was written by and stars all six members: Terry Jones, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman and Michael Palin. Gilliam and Jones were each also directors. Direction varies amongst the other films, but fans wanting more of the troupe can still see them shine throughout each story.
Fans of the Arthurian legend and fans of comedy alike are bound to have a blast watching “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
“Vegas Vacation” (1997)
“Vegas Vacation” marks Chevy Chase’s finale of the National Lampoon films. For the fourth and final time, Clark Griswold (Chase) makes plans to take an old-fashioned family vacation to the “number one family vacation destination in America” — anything but that — Las Vegas. Like any Griswold excursion, it is crazy right from the start.
Staying at the fabulous Mirage hotel, Clark and Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) arrive with airplane toilet-stained clothing beside their two children, Audrey (Marisol Nichols) and Rusty (Ethan Embry). Mesmerized by the slot machines, roulette wheels, poker, craps and blackjack tables, it isn’t long until Clark has a full-fledged gambling addiction.
Just when he thought all was pleasant, cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and his family barged into the Griswold family vacation, hosting them at their redneck-style mobile home in the desert, where they grill chicken on rocks and round up rattlesnakes. Later, they take a tour of The Hoover Dam, a tour that Clark ends up in — literally.
Audrey and Rusty, both under 21, are met with boredom and frustration and take trips of their own. Cousin Vicky — who has her risqué pictures plastered all over Las Vegas — takes Audrey out for the ‘showgirl’ experience. Rusty obtains a fake ID and rolls a pretty lucky hand at craps, landing him a luxury suite and lots of ladies.
Ellen winds up at Shenandoah, Wayne Newton’s home, after eyeing her at the casino. Sending her a dress before attending his show with the whole family, he spots the glittering gown immediately and invites Ellen on stage. Between his three family members and his gambling fetish, he has his hands full.
