Comedy

Maureen Corrigan looks at a series of books and a movie with canine heroes: the "Taxi Dog" books and "Beethoven."

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "White Men Can't Jump."

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "This Is My Life," the new comedy starring Julie Kavner as a cosmetic saleswoman turned stand-up comic. It's the directorial debut of writer Nora Ephron.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new comedy "Wayne's World."

Actor David Mcallum. He's still known for the TV role he had back in the 60s, as secret agent Illya Kuryakin in "The Man From UNCLE." Since then, he's had dozens of stage, TV, and movie roles. Currently, he has a supporting role as a police detective in the new English movie "Hear My Song."

In case you're spending New Year's Eve at home, we've asked a couple of experts to recommend some good home videos to rent...

First, Los Angeles Times film critic Peter Rainer ("RAIN-er") suggests some home videos you might have overlooked.

Then Michael Barson shares his picks for the best "B" movies, rock and roll films, and 50s sci-fi films.

Cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld. He was the cinematographer for the Coen Brothers' "Blood Simple," "Raising Arizona," "Miller's Crossing," and for "Misery." He's just made his directing debut with the new film, "The Addams Family."

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Other People's Money," starring Danny DeVito as a ruthless businessman.

Film critic Owen Gleiberman reviews "The Fisher King" the new film by Terry Gilliam, the director of "Brazil." It stars Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews two new comedies starring two stars from "SCTV," and wonders why they haven't been more successful. They are Martin Short who's starring with Danny Glover in, "Pure Luck," and John Candy whose new film is "Delirious."

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Hot Shots," the new spoof of all those macho fighter pilot movies.

Comedian and filmmaker Mel Brooks. Brooks has made some of the funniest films in movie history, including "The Producers," "Young Frankenstein," and "Blazing Saddles." In his new movie, "Life Stinks," Brooks plays a billionaire who accepts a wager to spend a month living on the street.

Comedian and actor Bill Murray. Murray first came to prominence as a cast member of "Saturday Night Live." He then went on to appear in movies such as "Ghostbusters," "Caddyshack," "Meatballs," "Stripes," and "Quick Change." His latest role is in the comedy, "What About Bob?"

Filmmaker Richard Linklater. Linklater's new movie, "Slacker" is a low-budget look at people who's only goal in life is to just hang out.

Film critic Stephen Schiff Reviews "The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear," a police movie parody starring Leslie Nielsen and Priscilla Presley.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews Soapdish, a comedy about soap opera actors also starring Sally Field.

Comedian and actor Bill Murray. Murray first came to prominence as a cast member of "Saturday Night Live." He then went on to appear in movies such as "Ghostbusters," "Caddyshack," "Meatballs," "Stripes," and "Quick Change." His latest role is in the comedy, "What About Bob?"

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews Sylvester Stallone's new movie "Oscar," a 1930s gangster comedy that feels like a 1960s French stage play. Schiff says it lacks the over-the-top approach needed to make farce succeed.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new comedy "Defending Your Life," starring director Albert Brooks and Meryl Streep as a recently deceased couple who fall in love while living in a squeaky-clean purgatory.

Film critic Owen Gleiberman reviews the new comedy, written by and starring Steve Martin. He says that, unlike Woody Allen's Annie Hall, this movie both celebrates and revels in the town's absurdities.