Let’s take a look at the biggest and best comedy movies of 2013. Funny this year came in the form of Seth Rogen facing the apocalypse, the return of Ron Burgundy, Steve Carell as a magician, a third Hangover, and Gerard Butler as a foul-mouthed leprechaun. That and so much more.

Here’s the rundown of every significant theatrical release, good and bad:

– JANUARY –
A Haunted House
Starring: Marlon Wayans, Nick Swardson, Essence Atkins, Cedric the Entertainer
Director: Michael Tiddes
Out: 11 January 2013 (U.S. Dates)

When newlyweds (Wayans and Atkins) move into their dream house, they quickly find they’re not alone. But it’s not the house that’s haunted, it’s her that is possessed with spirits – or as he calls it – “relationship baggage.” Soon he’s using the help of a psychic (Swardson), a priest (Cedric) and ghost hunters to exorcise her. R-rated parody of ‘Paranormal Activity’, ‘The Devil Inside’ and other “found footage” movies. Wayans was one of the creators of ‘Scary Movie’ but this is an ultra low budget solo enterprise that isn’t in the same league. Fart gags are considered a highlight. Stay away. Unless you’re 14. [Critics (via Rotten Tomatoes): 10%] [Public (via IMDB): 5.0] – Avoid

Movie 43
Starring: Justin Long, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chloe Moretz, Richard Gere
Directors: Peter Farrelly, Griffen Dunne, Brett Ratner, James Gunn etc.
Out: 25 January 2013

Co-produced by the Farrelly Brothers, this is a silly, raunchy anthology similar to ‘Kentucky Fried Movie’ from the ’70s. The series of 17 short films, with vague connecting story, include Gerard Butler as a perverse, foul-mouthed leprechaun kidnapped by Johnny Knoxville and Seann William Scott who want to steal his pot of gold. Director Griffin Dunne’s segment sees Kieran Culkin playing a grocery store clerk courting Emma Stone with an R-rated version of a love letter. In Peter Farrelly’s segment, Kate Winslet and Hugh Jackman go on a date in which she’s the only person who notices he has balls under his chin. Anthology movies nearly always fail and this one is especially disjointed. Imagine a series of unrelated, unfunny sketches. It doesn’t work on any level. [Critics: 4%] [Public: 4.4] – Avoid

– FEBRUARY –
Identity Thief
Starring: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy, Amanda Peet, Jon Favreau
Director: Seth Gordon
Out: 8 February 2013

When a mild-mannered businessman (Bateman) learns his identity has been stolen by a shopaholic in Florida (McCarthy), he hits the road in an attempt to foil the thief. But trying to bribe, coax and wrangle her the 2,000 miles back to Denver will make him discover just how tough it is to get your name back. ‘Identity Thief’ is one of two leading comedy roles for Melissa McCarthy this year, after breaking out with ‘Bridesmaids’. Unfortunately this movie just doesn’t work. The director of ‘Horrible Bosses’ can’t make horrible deeds seem charming and amusing here, instead McCarthy’s thief is quite unlikeable. Jason Bateman is on autopilot. The script is poorly put together. Nowhere near as funny as it should have been. [Critics: 19%] [Public: 5.7] – Mediocre

– MARCH –
21 And Over
Starring: Miles Teller, Skylar Astin, Justin Chon, Sarah Wright
Directors: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore
Out: 1 March 2013

Straight-A college student Jeff Chang has always done what’s expected of him. But when his two best friends Casey and Miller surprise him with a visit for his 21st birthday, he decides to do the unexpected for a change, even though his critical medical school interview is early the next morning. What was supposed to be one beer becomes one night of chaos, over indulgence and utter debauchery. The writers of ‘The Hangover’ make their debut as writer-directors, using a variation on the friends-get-drunk idea, set in college. If you’re looking for a youthful party movie there are better times to be had elsewhere. And don’t ask why they couldn’t celebrate his birthday after his interview. [Critics: 26%] [Public: 5.8] – Mediocre

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
Starring: Steve Carell, Jim Carrey, Steve Buscemi, Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin
Director: Don Scardino
Out: 15 March 2013

Old school Las Vegas magician Burt Wonderstone (Carell) attempts to reunite with his former partner Anton Lovecraft (Buscemi) to take on daring street magician Steve Gray (Carrey). From the director of TV’s ’30 Rock’, imagine a comedic version of ‘The Prestige’. It’s not terrible, the second half is quite likeable, but given the talent involved it lacks big laughs and can only be considered a disappointment. [Critics: 36%] [Public: 5.9] – Mediocre

Admission
Starring: Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Michael Sheen, Nat Wolff, Lily Tomlin
Director: Paul Weitz
Out: 22 March 2013

A straight-laced Princeton admissions officer (Fey) is caught off-guard when she makes a recruiting visit to an alternative high school overseen by her free-wheeling former classmate (Rudd). He has deduced that his gifted yet very unconventional student (Wolff) may be the son she secretly gave up for adoption many years ago. Soon she finds herself bending the admission rules for the student, putting at risk the life she thought she always wanted. A comic cast open with jokes then veer toward heartfelt drama. Tonally it’s going for something similar to ‘About A Boy’, which the director also made, but it misses that same spark. [Critics: 38%] [Public: 5.7] – Mediocre

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