While comedy is one of the hardest film genres to maneuver, there are some movies that find their niche and stay popular for years to come. What makes audiences laugh can differ with the times, and usually depends on cultural context, social norms, and trends that can feel outdated surprisingly fast. Jokes can lose their edge quickly, and those that lean on current context can feel disconnected later on.
Endearing comedies, ones that rely on jokes that feel timeless, are hard to come by. While it’s always been obvious that topical comedy can be hit or miss, finding films that don’t base their jokes on what’s going on in the world can be harder than expected. Physical comedy and satire can age better without roots to a specific cultural moment, but may be tougher to land upfront.
Some comedies find a niche audience quickly, while others experience waves of popularity in the months and years after their release. Films that have a second life can be particularly rare, but when a film is able to keep an audience laughing years after its initial run, its done something incredible. Few films embody this idea better than Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, which has resonated for years.
Dodgeball Never Gets Old
Released in 2004, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story has remained a comedy stable for over 20 years. Starring Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn, the film follows a group of misfits trying to save their failing gym by competing in a professional dodgeball tournament. Embracing cartoonish exaggeration without losing narrative clarity, Dodgeball is able to be over-the-top and laid-back in equal measure.
While the humor isn’t dependent on references, the film doesn’t feel like it’s completely avoiding contemporary culture or commentary. Instead, the movie chooses to escalate physical gags, push running jokes through its narrative, and work with character dynamics rather than anchoring itself in current events. Those choices allow the humor to stay fresh, which keeps viewers coming back to Dodgeball consistently.
Why Dodgeball Is So Rewatchable
A massive part of Dodgeball’s lasting appeal lies in the easy ability to rewatch the film, and that comes from more than just its jokes. Dodgeball is a fast-paced film that has quotable dialogue and takes on a story that’s simple for viewers to follow. With an underdog story that gives viewers someone to root for, Dodgeball is the kind of movie that consistently draws viewers in.
The movie’s specific sense of humor reinforces that Dodgeball is funny no matter who is watching the film, or when. Whether new audiences are joining in on the hype after hearing about the movie for years, or long-time viewers are coming back for a comfort rewatch, Dodgeball finds itself held to a higher standard as it’s able to consistently stay relevant.
- Release Date
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June 18, 2004
- Runtime
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92 minutes
- Director
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Rawson Marshall Thurber
- Writers
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Rawson Marshall Thurber
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