The set-up: Hot on the trail of a stolen albino bat, intrepid Ace (Jim Carrey) devises a master plan to spy on one of his suspects: hiding inside a giant animatronic rhino. Unfortunately, the air con conks out and Ace is forced to squeeze through the fake rhino's anus, to the horror of a family of onlookers.
RAISING ARIZONA (1987)
"SON, YOU GOT A PANTY ON YOUR HEAD..."
The set-up: This Coen Brothers classic sees desperate wannabe parents Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter half-inch a baby boy from a rich family's quintuplets. Police involvement soon ensues, particularly in this slapstick chase scene, all of which stems from a gas station robbery of Huggies diapers. Well, if you gotta go...
THE JERK (1979)
"THAT'S ALL I NEED!"
The set-up: Back when Steve Martin was funny, he played Navin R. Johnson, a dumb, nerdy white guy suddenly turned rich inventor. When he's left broke and heartbroken by his departing wife, he draws up a list of all the essentials he'll take with him. Ashtrays, chairs, magazines, it's all good.
DODGEBALL (2004)
"IF YOU CAN DODGE A WRENCH..."
The set-up: The losers of Average Joe's gym have a massive task ahead of them: master the mighty sport of Dodgeball so they can raise enough money to stay in business. Leader Peter (Vince Vaughn) recruits old hand Patches O'Houlihan (Rip Torn), who sagely surmises that "If you can dodge traffic, you can dodge a ball."
COMING TO AMERICA (1988)
"THAT AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT ULTRA-PERM!"
The set-up: African nobleman Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) has just touched down on American soil and is looking for a Yankee-style makeover. He chooses a barber's shop manned by a suspiciously familiar looking hairdresser, who voices his outspoken opinions on the boxers of the day and gives him a short and sweet do. Snip!
THE GOLD RUSH (1925)
THE TABLE BALLET
The set-up: Give Jesus a couple of loaves of bread and he'll feed five thousand. Give Charlie Chaplin the same (and a couple of forks) and he'll make the rest of the world laugh forever. This utterly charming table-top ballet, performed exclusively with cutlery and side-dishes, is over 80 years old but still raises a smile to this day.
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (2006)
"SHE'S A SUPERFREAK!"
The set-up: For the entire running time of this indie comedy, we've been willing the Hoover family to get precious young Olive (Abigail Breslin) to the beauty pageant so she can wow the crowds with her cute smile. When they do arrive, however, Olive starts shaking her seven year-old booty to the sounds of Rick James. Inappropriate.
NATIONAL LAMPOON'S ANIMAL HOUSE (1978)
"SEE IF YOU CAN GUESS WHAT I AM NOW..."
The set-up: Bluto, our #1 cinematic fat guy, heads to the cafeteria buffet and loads up his tray in this classic frat comedy. Once he's piled on plate after plate of top nosh, John Belushi's original party animal looks to impress his fellow diners with an impression. One mouthful of mashed potato later, and...
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (1989)
"I'LL HAVE WHAT SHE'S HAVING"
The set-up: A scene that's often parodied, but never bettered. Platonic buddies Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) are discussing sexual technique at the table when Sally questions Harry's claim that he'd be able to spot a faked female orgasm. And then proves it. Extremely loudly. Cheque please!
RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)
"POW!"
The set-up: We've all heard the story behind the stunt - a dysentry-riddled Harrison Ford was due to engage in a lengthy tussle with an Arabian swordsman but suggested a simpler solution - but it makes it no less hilarious. When everyone's favourite part-time archaeologist whips out his piece, the audience's reaction is always ecstatic.
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