Why do we love R-rated comedy? Answer: The swearing is better. This sex is more comical. The shenanigans are more extreme. What makes any R-rated comedy better? Answer: Children.

The addition of children to any hilarious movie only makes that movie more hilarious. Having kids along for the ride takes all the things we love about these films and intensifies them. Having a kid in the car during a chase scene makes the danger more real and more frightening (hence the title of this column). Swearing, the lifeblood of any R-rated comedy, seems all the more taboo when it’s done in front of kids....

This Friday marks the theatrical release of "Funny People," the Judd Apatow dramedy starring Adam Sandler as a terminally ill stand-up comedian. As the buzz around this film has grown, fans and critics alike have wondered if Apatow, who never met a penis joke he didn't like, was making a huge mistake by veering into "serious" territory. Pretty odd, considering that one of Apatow's most loved and respected works was the TV series, "Freaks and Geeks," a show that beautifully walked the line between hilarity and heartbreaking realism.

Although it may seem like he came from out of nowhere to...

The Frat Pack has been a powerful force in the new Millennium, and for awhile it was like we could not see a comedy without Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Luke Wilson, and Owen Wilson. These comedic geniuses are quirky, timely, and have a lasting power that will keep them in movies for years to come. The goofy, charming Owen Wilson has proven himself not only as an actor, but as an Oscar-nominated screenwriter. There's a lot more going on beneath those blonde surfer bangs than one might expect, and with "Marley & Me" coming out this Christmas, let's take a look at some of the fine...

In "Vantage Point," an assassination attempt on the president of the United States is detailed from five unique perspectives. As the president arrives in Salamanca, gunshots ring out. An American tourist has captured footage of the would-be assassin on videotape, and now, as the stories of the other four witnesses unfold, each essential piece of the puzzle quickly falls into place. Also on DVD: Tyler Perry's Meet The Browns, Drillbit Taylor, My Blueberry Nights and City Of Men.

You may not know his name, but he's the guy who did "The 40-Year-Old Virgin." Ever since releasing his breakthrough film starring Steve Carell as the awkward celibate, Judd Apatow has been cranking out movies like nobody's business. The key is how many roles he can actively fill for that fancy silver screen - Apatow writes, directs, and produces. He's a triple-threat that's got him walking all over Hollywood.

In 2007, he wrote two screenplays (Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and Knocked Up), directed one hit ("Knocked Up"), and produced three films ("Walk Hard," "Knocked Up," and Super...

Katherine Heigl's romantic comedy 27 Dresses has debuted at the top of the U.K. box office chart. The movie, in which Heigl plays a serial bridesmaid looking for love, entered the countdown at number one with takings of $3.5 million.

Dance film Step Up 2 The Streets climbed one place to number two with $2.74 million.

The Spiderwick Chronicles is at three with $2.6 million, while last week's most popular movie, Horton Hears A Who!, falls to fourth place with $1.86 million.

Rounding out the top five is Owen Wilson comedy Drillbit Taylor with $540,000.

(This news article p...

Kevin Spacey gambling movie 21 has struck gold at the U.S. box office, stealing the top spot with opening weekend winnings of $23.7 million. The film stars Spacey and Kate Bosworth as members of a group of mathematics geniuses who use their brains to beat Las Vegas casinos at their own game.

Horton Hears a Who slipped to second place with $17.4 million, lifting its total takings to $117.3 million. Superhero Movie made third place, but with takings of just $9.5 million. Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns scored $7.8 million in its second week of release.

Drillbit Taylor starring Owen ...

Jim Carrey's animated movie Horton Hears A Who! has scored a second week atop the box office. The family film, in which Carrey voices an elephant, took $25.1 million over the weekend.

Actor/director Tyler Perry's Meet The Browns is a new entry at two with takings of $20 million, while horror movie Shutter, which stars Joshua Jackson and Rachael Taylor, debuts at three with $10.7 million.

New Owen Wilson comedy Drillbit Taylor is another new entry at four with $10.2 million.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)

When two high-school freshmen hire a man whom they believe to be a low-rent soldier of fortune to protect them from the most sadistic bully in school, they soon find out just how deceptive appearances can be in this comedy featuring a script by Seth Rogen and Kristofor Brown. Owen Wilson stars as the presumed mercenary in a film produced by Judd Apatow.

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With the month of love at our heels and St. Patrick's day right around the corner, the weather is promising to thaw and the movies are starting to get hot. Oscar season is over, which can mean only one thing: the push to summer block busters is right around the corner.

Fans of academy-driven mellow drama, art pictures, or just some more meaningful films must go into hiding for a few months or simply stay glued to George Clooney's IMDb in production page. Meanwhile, mindless summer gags are toning their movie-watching physique at muscle beach getting ready for their time. All that stan...

The halls of the San Diego Convention Center were abuzz with the news that came pouring out of the panel hosted by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies. Exclusive footage and major casting announcements included:

Director/Producer J.J. Abrams revealed his first casting for the "Star Trek" adventure: Zachary Quinto (Sylar on "Heroes") will step into the ears of the young Mr. Spock and veteran Leonard Nimoy will return to the role he made famous. Both Quinto and Nimoy made surprise appearances and were greeted with wild applause. Abrams, producers Damon Lindelof...

Lisa Lampanelli, "Comedy's Lovable Queen of Mean," is back with her tough-talking, no-holds-barred comedy. Filmed live at the Moore Theater in Seattle, WA, her new one-hour standup special will air on Comedy Central on January 28, 2007. Her Dirty Girl CD and Dirty Girl DVD will be released by Warner Bros./Jack Records on January 30. Hailed as a cross between Don Rickles, Archie Bunker, and a vial of estrogen, Lisa Lampanelli masterfully delivers her outrageous, uproarious and completely politically incorrect comedy yet again.

To promote the new special and CD/DVD release, Lisa will ...