Laughter is the best medicine, and Canadians know that. An ice cream box, popcorn in the microwave, drinks in the fridge, and the stage is set for the comedy’s greatest achievements from the 2000s.
If you are up for a walk down memory lane and refreshing your repertoire for the next Netflix and chill night out, stay tuned as we bring you the top five most adored comedy classics from the beginning of the 21st century in Canada.
The Longest Yard
A washed-up NFL star leading a team of misfit inmates against their prison guards? What could go wrong, right? We bet you’ll fumble into laughter with The Longest Yard, a proper gridiron gag-fest that tackles football like only Adam Sandler can.
Pro wrestling’s “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Chris Rock, and rapper Nelly headline the motley crew that delivers pie-in-the-face pranks, botched plays, illegal formations, and everything else you can think of, making this sports comedy a Canadian fan-favourite.
Hardball
Keanu Reeves stars in Hardball, a story of redemption that mixes humour with heartwarming moments like few other comedy/drama movies from the early 2000s could. In the movie, life seems to throw only curveballs toward Conor O’Neill, played by Reeves, a youth baseball team coach who can’t seem to catch a break.
He’s fallen into debt with bookies and can’t seem to control his gambling urges. It’s a well-known fact that Canadians love their sports betting, so this character indeed represents some of those that may be struggling with the same issues and who could have used legalbetcanada.com to tell them about responsible betting.
However, by turning a ragtag group of inner-city kids into champions who seem to outsmart him with a healthy dose of humour every step of the way, O’Neill finds the road to redemption and has made sure the film hits a home run with the audience.
Leatherheads
Undoubtedly, rom-coms have defined George Clooney’s acting repertoire, no matter their theme, and the movie Leatherheads is a testament to that fact. It brings us back to the roaring ‘20s and the nascent stage of pro football. During the movie, rules are being made up on the spot, and the on-field shenanigans and barroom brawls that would put hockey brawls to shame indeed provide perfect comic relief moments.
Mr.3000
Mr. 3000, a sports comedy for the ages starring Bernie Mac, is going to have you rolling on the floor laughing. The movie follows the life of a retired baseball legend returning to the game that’s made him. However, once he realizes that the swagger he once had kind of stayed in the old uniform that no longer fits. The young bucks are relentless to the old man, who can’t seem to stop striking out with a bat that’s seen better days. Still, make room for a good-old comeback story because Mac’s is filled with more twists than a pretzel at a Blue Jays game.
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
What do you get when mixing Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, and a dodgeball tournament in Vegas — a hilarious comedy for the ages. The two comedy giants face off in one of the wackiest tournaments in all of sports to decide the fate of a rundown gym. The costume team had outdone themselves with this one, with pirates, wrench-throwing coaches, and uniforms that’d make a Mountie blush.
This comedy delivers so many comedic moments that will make you duck, dive, and laugh every single moment of Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.
Final Thoughts
T 2000s comedy classics have it all — from silly costumes to throwing wrenches, so no wonder whey they deliver such a one-two punch of humour and heart. Whether you’re a sports fan or just in the mood for a good chuckle, these films are as Canadian as a friendly game of street hockey. Stock up on snacks and drinks, and enjoy a marathon that’s sure to score big laughs from coast to coast.