12 Reasons The Cable Guy Is The Greatest Comedy Of The '90s

9. Basketball

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g16IV1ZyRC4 The idea is relatively simple: Jim Carrey + the game of basketball = insanity. This is a scene where you can really see Jim's creative process at work. Yes, he is working inside of the confines of a character, and he never forgets to incorporate that aspect, but the inspiration and comedic execution in this scene is all Jim. The scene occurs early in the movie as Chip and Steven are still building their odd friendship. Out of the blue, Chip just happens to show up at the local gym where Steven and some of his buddies are playing a friendly game of basketball. Good timing, as one of the players has gone down with an injury, allowing Chip a chance in the game (as part of Steven's team, of course). Another trait of a great comedian is their ability to take the conventions and regular happenings in society, internalize, and then regurgitate them in abstract, hilarious forms that serve as commentary on human behavior. Jim Carrey internalizes basketball: uniforms, warm ups, trash talk, physical play, and, of course, monster dunks. As filtered through Carrey's genius, basketball becomes a primitive (literally), hardcore, high-flying grudge match. It's at once a tribute to the modern day gladiators who play, sweat, and strive in the sport and a parody/commentary on the pain, sweat, and tears shed over a simple game. Carrey deserves more credit as a comedian for being able to pull off such broad comedy housed inside a brilliant social critique.