5 Quirky Movie Comedies That Deserve the Animated Sitcom Treatment

When news landed a few weeks ago that Fox had optioned an animated series based on the quirky genius of 'Napoleon Dynamite,' it wasn't much of a surprise.

First of all, Fox has found the most success in the animation department and if they gave one more show to Seth MacFarlane, they'd have to just give him control of the entire network. It's cheaper that way.

Most importantly, 'Napoleon Dynamite' is a comedy that screams to be animated. The larger-than-life characters of the original 2004 comedy seemed like a cartoon to begin with, so it's a natural transition for the uncomfortable, quirky comedy about the most awkward high school teenager since my pimply-faced days as a high school dork. (Seriously, I had a face that could have caused the government to legally prohibit me from swimming in the Gulf for fear of a widespread oil spill.)

But it's not the only comedy that would work in animation. Here are five other classic comedies that would look good after an ink-and-paint makeover.

1. 'Office Space'


2. 'The Big Lebowski'
The cult comedy from Joel and Ethan Coen about a heroic slacker/amateur bowler who has to play armchair detective to a strange kidnapping case has all the elements that make an animated comedy worthy of our attention: imaginative characters that can keep a story moving, over-the-top performances that enhance the comedy and porn stars (they don't have much to do with the story, but it can't hurt its chances).

Of course, given the rabid fan base that has celebrated this movie both metaphorically and literally with the annual "Lebowski Fest," there is a risk of alienating the fans or completely disappointing them. Thankfully, the final exposition of the character really isn't known past the movie, so the possibilities for equally exciting and creative stories are wide open. It's the television equivalent of picking up a 4-6 split; it looks easy until you go for the roll.

3. 'Caddyshack'
My television really seems to be missing a healthy rebellious spirit against authority. Sure, 'The Daily Show' pokes holes in every stuffed shirt on both sides of the aisle, but what about a show about the miserable pukes we all have to deal with in our regular lives -- like your insufferable whitebread boss or the rich neighbor who thinks the only reason you should be on his block is if you're there to mow his lawn?

In its initial release, the movie appeared to be just another gross-out gag comedy about rambunctious teen caddies at a country club golf course where people raised their noses so high, they could smell the back of their own head. However, underneath the surface lay a deep, almost philosophical rebellion against pretentiousness and the inability to accept others.

Of course, the big problem lies with the casting. It's impossible to replace the likes of the late Rodney Dangerfield and Ted Knight, the two actors who made the perfect ying-yang enemies in the battle of "snobs v. slobs." And I'm sure the Gopher wouldn't work for scale either.

4. 'This is Spinal Tap'
An animated series based on this music movie masterpiece could help one of the most ingenious film concepts of all time find new life for a whole new legion of die-hard fans who can laugh at the ridiculous excess and futile grasping at success that is the music recording industry.

Just imagine the likes of Nigel Tufnel and David St. Hubbins rocking out in a 'Metapocalypse' art style as they gig from venue to venue, turning increasingly smaller audiences into mini-orgies of rock energy. Derek Smalls uses his "preserved moose" powers to melt the faces of everyone who hears his backup melodies. And the drummer dies at least five times every episode in some bizarre pyrotechnical food poisoning mishap brought on by some partially digested garden fertilizer.


5. 'Hot Fuzz'
'Shaun of the Dead' worked on just about all levels -- which is astounding when you consider that it's a zombie horror romantic action British comedy -- but it doesn't seem like it'd scale down easily to an animated series. After all, the nice guy got the cute girl and most of the funny/interesting characters either ended up dead or undead.

Instead, actor/writer Simon Pegg and director Edgar Wright's second installment in the "Blood and Ice Cream" trilogy, 'Hot Fuzz, had some fantastic characters who might still be alive. And the premise holds great potential for interesting stories that start out as seemingly mundane police work. Plus, it doesn't have the words 'Law & Order' in front of the title (I'm sure I'm getting my hopes up, someone is probably already pitching a 'Law & Order: Sandford' or 'CSI: Sandford' as I write this).


What big-screen comedies do you think would work as animated TV series?