Join The Community
Return Of The Jedi (1983)
The Funny Death: A blind Han Solo (Harrison Ford) blunders about trying to protect himself from old foe Boba Fett (Jeremy Bulloch) and accidentally hits the bounty hunter's rocket pack, sending Fett flying into the mouth of the Sarlaac.
If It Had Been Played Straight: Fanboy fave Boba wouldn't have been allowed to die (as, indeed, is the case in the Extended Universe beyond the films), thus totally missing the droll justice of Han's typically clumsy revenge.
Happy Gilmore (1996)
The Funny Death: Happy (Adam Sandler) tries to give mentor Chubbs (Carl Weathers) a present of the dead alligator that once bit off Chubbs' hand. However, he is so traumatised he backs away from the gift… out of an open window.
If It Had Been Played Straight: Chubbs would have died heroically taking his revenge on the gator… Actually, no, that would be just as silly.
Hot Shots! (1991)
The Funny Death: The Deer Hunter parody in which Mailman (Ryan Stiles), downed in Vietnam, is shot by a hunter because the branches stuck to his helmet make him look like a deer.
If It Had Been Played Straight: No need - we already have The Deer Hunter for that.
Shrek The Third (2007)
The Funny Death: Everyone gathers at the deathbed of King Harold (John Cleese), but the frog isn't quite ready to croak just yet. Every time Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas) tries to take off his hat in mourning, the King manages another few seconds of life.
If It Had Been Played Straight: It would be a fairly boring scene of exposition; as it stands, this manages to sneak the plot in between the gags without actually compromising the sadness. When the King eventually expires, it's actually quite serious.
Old School (2003)
The Funny Death: Ever wondered why fraternities are usually reserved for the young? Elderly fratboy Blue (Patrick Cranshaw) finds out when his heart can't cope with the sight of two topless women at a house party.
If It Had Been Played Straight: The frat house would have been closed and an inquest held into Blue's death.
Shark Attack 3: Megalodon (2002)
The Funny Deaths: Yes, this film went straight-to-DVD, but nearly 40 million YouTube views can't be wrong, as a shark attacks a luxury yacht, conveniently changing its size to suit each new victim.
If It Had Been Played Straight: When a film is made this cheaply, the gap between unintentional and intentional humour tends to be a moot point.
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
The Funny Death: An increasingly farcical scrap between hitmen Grocer (Dan Akyroyd) and Martin Blank (John Cusack) ends when the latter smashes a television set over his opponent's head.
If It Had Been Played Straight: The fight would be entirely appliance-free and Martin would have just shot him.
The Last Supper (1995)
The Funny Deaths: A bunch of liberal graduates (led by Cameron Diaz) invite right-wing extremists to their home. If they don't recant their beliefs, they are poisoned and buried in the garden.
If It Had Been Played Straight: The students would simply be killing people to pay for their tuition fees.
Star Trek: Generations (1994)
The Funny Death: It's the biggest event in Star Trek history - the final frontier of James Tiberius Kirk (William Shatner). Yet how does he die? In a blaze of glory? Saving the world? Nope. He FALLS OFF A BRIDGE.
If It Had Been Played Straight: Oh, it is, as Shatner emotes as. Only. Shatner can. Emote. It's the gap between the Shakespearian ambition and the mundane manner of despatch that causes the chuckles.
Time Bandits (1981)
The Funny Deaths: Kevin (Craig Warnock) has returned home from his time-travelling adventures. Unfortunately, he's brought a chunk of pure Evil with him and his hapless parents ignore his warning not to touch it.
If It Had Been Played Straight: A more traditional movie would end with Kevin reunited with his folks. Not for Terry Gilliam, who can't wait to see the dull, unimaginative duo blow up.
