Along the same lines of my blog yesterday, I recently watched, from start to finish for the first time, "Young Frankenstein".

I am a big time Mel Brooks fan, but seeing this movie in its entirety in one sitting has somehow eluded me. I guess I had opportunities and just passed them up. Or maybe I just assumed I had seen it because I know the big beats from the movie. But I was watching a clip from this movie on the internet and it was then I had realized I had never fully watched the movie. The clip is of a pretty famous scene too. It is Dr Frankenstein speaking with Igor about who's brain they used. Igor explains it was not the person they agreed upon, but someone named "Abbie Normal". Dr Frankenstein proceeds to choke him out and I was cracking up watching the clip. I happened to see the clip on the week where I got to pick the movie we watched for date night. My choice was made for me right then and there. I picked Dr Frankenstein and sat back and watched and discovered why this movie is so revered.

"Young Frankenstein" is one of the greatest comedies of all time. This movie was made in 1974 but it still felt as fresh as ever. Gene Wilder was an amazing comedic actor. The way he played the title role in this movie was different though. He took the role seriously, but when it was time for him to go big, his wheelhouse, he went as big as ever and absolutely destroyed. He was one of the best actors ever. The fact that he didn't get any awards consideration for this role is criminal. Not to be outdone, Peter Boyle was a revelation for me in this watch. I have only known him from "Everybody Loves Raymond", a show I only sparingly saw when walking through my home I grew up in as my folks watched. In this movie he was hilarious as The Monster. When he did the dance scene, he was incredible. When he finds love, that was great. When he is chained and runs away, hilarious. Boyle was perfect for this role. Marty Feldman as Igor was the perfect sidekick to Wilder. He was silly, big, funny and more than held his own. His look was so unique and so well crafted in this role. He made me laugh harder than Wilder at some points. Terri Garr, as Frankenstein's assistant, did a masterful job. She is a beauty, but she also was right there with all the stars matching the comedy. She had some excellent comedic timing here and really nailed it. Cloris Leachman was the consummate pro. She had a small role here, but she was so memorable. Whenever I hear her name from this movie being said, all I will think about is horses neighing uncontrollably. Kenneth Mars had some great moments as the Inspector. Gene Hackman, in an uncredited role, made me crack up. And Mel Brooks, in only one scene, did his thing as usual and was hilarious.

This movie is a classic for a reason. It is funny, well written, well acted and very well shot. I love the black and white aspect. I loved the "scary" music. But most of all, the chemistry between Garr and Wilder was unprecedented.

"Young Frankenstein" rules. I never had any doubts, but to finally see it from beginning to end, that only confirmed how truly wonderful it is. I loved this movie. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

Come and support Ty and the podcast on Patreon.

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.