ppemberton

Okay, I’ll grant you this: Will Ferrell is on a roll.

Not only is he one half of a formidable new comic duo (with John C. Reilly), he’s also had a string of successful movies, including his latest, “Step Brothers.

While I’m at it, I’ll concede that “Talladega Nights” was a laugh-out-loud movie (like “Old School”), that “Elf” was both funny and sweet and that “Stranger Than Fiction” proved that he has promise as a serious actor.

But before you crown Will Ferrell the top “Saturday Night Live” alum, you need to consider some of the heavyweights that preceded him.

Or maybe just one.

Because it’s going to take a few more “Talladega Nights” to match Bill Murray’s record.

First of all, you have the sheer volume of good movies Murray has put out over the years: “Caddyshak,” “Stripes,” “Ghostbusters,” “Groundhog Day,” “Rushmore,” to name a few.  

Okay, I’ll name a few more: “What About Bob?” “Scrooged,” “Meatballs” and “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.”

You get the idea. Lots of good movies.

And while Murray was memorably funny in movies like “Caddyshack,” he’s also a really good serious actor. Remember “The Razor’s Edge,” “Tootsie” and “”Where the Buffalo Roam”?

He pulled it off.

Finally, I’m a little biased because Bill Murray is a HUGE Cubs fan. In fact, there was a memorable game in 1987 where Murray filled in for Harry Caray in the announcers booth. Sadly, WGN has forced YouTube to take down highlights from that game or I’d link it for you. So you’ll have to take my word on it – it was comic genius. In fact, 20 years later, people still talk about that game.

If only every Cubs loss could be that fun.

Danny

Will Ferrell is a comedic juggernaut.  An unstoppable freight train stuffed with funny that will simply roll right over whatever gets in his way.

OK, fair enough, Bill Murray has a career to be proud of.  He’s been nominated for an Oscar, and has starred in some of the funniest movies of the 80’s and 90’s.  But now, his career is slowing down.  Recently, he played a small part in Get Smart, but before that, his biggest role of the last few years was as the voice of an animated cat in Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties.  Now, that’s just sad.

Will Ferrell’s career is still picking up speed, and his movies are almost consistently excellent.  From Zoolander to Old School to Anchorman, Talladega Nights and Blades of Glory, his movies have always had me in stitches.

Not to mention that during his time as an SNL cast member, Ferrell brought us the More Cowbell sketch, Celebrity Jeopardy, parodies of Robert Goulet and interestingly enough as Pat has already mentioned him, Harry Caray.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Bill Murray has peaked.  His contributions to comedy and cinema in general are outstanding, but it is time for him to step aside and quietly retire while he still has his dignity.  Will Ferrell lost his dignity long ago, it just doesn’t phase him.

Will’s unstoppable freight train of a career is still picking up speed, and doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon.  Bill had better get out of the way, or he’ll get crushed by my metaphor.