National Lampoon's That's Not Funny, That's Sick: A Dark Comedy Deep Dive

Alright, National Lampoon's That's Not Funny, That's Sick (or just That's Sick for short), is one of those movies that's been dividing audiences since its release in 1975. It's a dark comedy, a term that's thrown around a lot, but this one really earns its stripes. So, let's dive into this controversial gem, shall we? Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and national lampoon that's not funny that's sick.

A Brief History of National Lampoon

Before we get into That's Sick, let's quickly set the stage. National Lampoon was a humor magazine that started in 1970. It was known for its irreverent, often offensive, but always hilarious take on current events and pop culture. The magazine spawned a series of comedy albums, movies, and even a comedy club. That's Sick is one of their earliest and most notorious films.

What's the Deal with That's Sick?

That's Sick is a collection of sketches, much like the magazine it's based on. It's not a traditional narrative film, but a series of unrelated, often disturbing, comedic vignettes. The movie is an assault on good taste, political correctness, and the very idea of what's funny. It's not for the faint-hearted, and it's certainly not for everyone, but it's undeniably unique.

The Sketches: A Rollercoaster of Tastelessness

That's Sick is a grab bag of sketch comedy. Here are a few highlights (if you can call them that):

The Car Thief

This sketch features a man who steals cars and then forces the owners to drive them off a cliff. It's dark, it's twisted, and it's probably the most famous scene from the movie. It's also the most controversial, with many viewers finding it in poor taste.

The Interview

In this sketch, a job interviewer asks increasingly inappropriate questions. It's a commentary on the absurdity of job interviews, but it's also just plain weird.

The Dentist

This sketch features a dentist who gets his jollies by causing his patients immense pain. It's a metaphor for something, I guess, but it's mostly just gross.

The Hunchback

This sketch is a parody of the classic love story, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." It's crude, it's offensive, and it's absolutely hilarious.

The Controversy

That's Sick was controversial from the get-go. Critics panned it, audiences were divided, and even the MPAA had issues with it, giving it an X rating (which has since been changed to an R). The controversy hasn't died down since. Some people find it hilarious, others find it offensive, and still, others find it both.

Why Watch That's Sick?

Despite the controversy, there are plenty of reasons to give That's Sick a watch. For one, it's a fascinating time capsule of comedy from the 1970s. It's also a great example of the anything-goes attitude of the National Lampoon brand. Plus, if you're a fan of dark comedy, you might just find something to love here.

Why Not Watch That's Sick?

On the other hand, if you're easily offended, or if you prefer your comedy to be a little more... well, funny, That's Sick might not be for you. It's crude, it's offensive, and it's often just plain mean. It's not for everyone, and that's okay.

The Legacy of That's Sick

Despite its controversial reception, That's Sick has left its mark on comedy. It paved the way for more irreverent comedy, and it influenced a generation of comedians. It's also become something of a cult classic, with a dedicated following who appreciate its unique brand of humor.

The Bottom Line

That's Sick is a divisive movie, but it's also a fascinating one. It's crude, it's offensive, and it's often just plain weird. But it's also hilarious, it's unique, and it's a testament to the anything-goes attitude of the National Lampoon brand. If you're a fan of dark comedy, or if you're just curious about what all the fuss is about, give That's Sick a watch. Just don't say we didn't warn you.

So, there you have it, folks. National Lampoon's That's Not Funny, That's Sick: a dark comedy deep dive. It's not for everyone, but it's certainly something to behold. Until next time, keep it weird, keep it funny, and remember: that's sick.