The Best SNL Digital Shorts

Raikus — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:58:00 GMT

Through a completely subjective method (based on how many smiles, chuckles or laughs each short gave me) I have compiled the absolute best SNL Digital Shorts. This is it. No need to check anywhere else. If it's not on this list then it isn't worth watching.

Extreme Challenge

What makes it funny: As with most SNL Digital Shorts, the humor comes from the simple blending of music and mimed motions. Wiig and Samberg do a great job of over-enthusiasm after every event. Plus, the sheer inanity of some of the contests (Hat Balance and Chair Pin) coupled with bringing the Ref's self-loathing in make a pretty complete skit -- a bit of a rarity for SNL. It's a good example that wacky can still mean fun.

The Japanese Office

What makes it funny: The impressions coupled with the culture. There needs to be a perfect storm of watching "The Office" and knowing a bit about Japanese culture to really appreciate this short. The character impressions are wonderful. Pam and Dwight work especially well in this new setting. I also like that there's not one bit of subtitle, but you still know exactly what they're saying (even Michael's "That's what she said" transcends translation).

Andy's Dad

What makes it funny: Sure, there's the over-the-top gay humor (a foundation of many of the Shorts), but the typical love scenes shot to Jonah's telling of the story really make this one work. Samberg plays the (rare) straightman for this one and it works great. And finally, THEY FINISHED A SKIT! I thought I'd never see it happen, but they actually made an ending. And even the ending is (somewhat) funny. Miracles do happen.

The Mirror

What makes it funny: Just the plain old "what the f#@$ was that" humor? Maybe a bit of a controversial pick, but I find this skit ridiculously funny. The thing is... I really can't explain why. The quick cuts just keep coming, the situation keeps changing and at the end of the skit you're not sure what you saw. That's comedy, right?

Iran So Far

What makes it funny: It was timely, the impression was dead on and the lyrics were really rhymey. They hit the mark perfectly with Armistead's Ahmadinejad impression and it came right on the heels of the Iranian President's visit to New York. This was the most topical short in their history and one of the funniest overall.

People Getting Punched

What makes it funny: Pure physical comedy (plus music). Ok, so it's cheap humor, but it's still funny. What really pushes this skit over the top is the Foo Fighters (DOUBLE PUNCH!) and Bon Jovi's (FULL RECOVERY!) appearances. The ending is crap, but the first half of the short is enough to make up for it.

Dick in a Box

What makes it funny: I don't really know. This always seemed like the perfect gift. I think star power pushes this one over the edge. Having Timberlake as part of the duo has the same affect as watching Tom Cruise's character in Tropic Thunder. Everything is funnier just because of who is doing it. Of course the 80's style wardrobe, beards and song pump it up a notch but the overall idea is really what makes this short stand the test of time (specifically with high school and college boys). It's destined to be the next "I'm Rick James, bitch!" overplayed phrase.

J*** in My Pants

What makes it funny: Of course I can't fail to mention this one after talking about "Dick in a Box." It's the techno brother to the 80's-styled "Box" and even included a Justin Timberlake cameo to tie them together. It's shocking, it's funny and it's... kind of a good song. Sure to be a club hit for the next few year. But what can I really say about this short that isn't hit-you-over-the-head-with-a-hammer obvious?

Dear Sister

What makes it funny: Once again music is the prime factor that makes this extremely odd skit work. It's overly-absurd, but for a reason. As a stand alone skit it works because of the strangeness and the played on tones of current primetime shows. Knowing that it's actually a spoof reincarnated from an OC episode makes it all the better. Once you view the original OC portion it becomes a short that is funny because of the state of current television. It toes the line of genius versus insanity -- which all the best things in history seem to do.

Natalie Raps

What makes it funny: Um, it's little, cute Natalie Portman laying down some hardcore rapping. It's funny because it's unexpected and against stereotypes. But really, I knew this was the real Natalie all the time. She says some of the lines from her rap in my dreams nightly.

Lazy Sunday

What makes it funny: The Granddaddy of all the shorts. It's doubtful if this didn't debut in the first handful of shorts that there would still be a weeky Digital Short. Many consider it still the funniest and still the best. That's subjective but I can definitely see it. There are some wonderful lines in short and it's extremely quoteable. I still enjoy some of the more underused quotes (It's all about the Hamiltons baby) but you've likely heard something about Mr. Pibb and Red Vines equaling crazy delicious at some point.

The Wastebucket : japanese office

The Best SNL Digital Shorts