In the summer of 1980, 2 comedy movies were released that were enormously successful. In fact, both are still shown today. Both had star studded casts. One of these comedies is a true classic while the other ranks as possibly the most overrated movie of all time. The classic is "Airplane". The dud, and here's the controversial part, is "Caddyshack".
There is simply no comparison. Airplane is uproariously funny, full of memorable lines and classic scenes. Yes, its over the top, but that heightens the humor rather than detracts from it. Who can forget Peter Graves talking to the young boy in the cockpit? Or Roger Murdock (aka Kareem Abdul Jabbar) snapping at the young boy who's Dad says Jabbar is lazy? Or Ted Stryker's drinking problem? Or the injured GI who thinks he's Ethyl Merman? Or Barbara Billingsley or Lloyd Bridges? Just a great, great movie. I'm laughing now as I write this.
Caddyshack on the other hand is simply not very funny. Bill Murray's character (groundskeeper Carl) is a total waste. No humor whatsoever. The funniest bit is a Baby Ruth Bar in the pool? That's clever? Chevy Chase is annoying and Ted Knight adds little. Rodney Dangerfield's performance is the lone good thing in the movie.
I think as the years go by, it becomes more and more evident which is the better movie. Airplane is timeless and is always funny. It has aged gracefully. Caddyshack on the other hand just does not stand the test of time. Sorry, its just not that good. Rent them both. Take a look. You're going to agree with me.
