The death of George Carlin was a big blow to the entertainment world. At the risk of sounding crass during a sensitive time, we dare to ask why? Why is comedy so important? Why do some people seem to construct their very identities around their favorite broad comedies? We think the answer has something to do with the inevitability of growing up, while resisting growing old. Discussed are such life-shaping films as Dumb & Dumber, Grosse Pointe Blank, Caddyshack, The Jerk, Office Space, and many more.

(Subscribe to FilmCouch–Spout’s weekly movie podcast–in the iTunes store or to our RSS feed and an episode will download each Friday)

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