I have just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story, and I need all of you to stop what you're doing and listen...  Cannonball!...

Ah, the zany comedy - where would we be without your nonsensical, childish humour? I understand it's not an easy life; for many of you, your emergence is met by a cynical press, one seemingly unable to understand the broad appeal of your broad comedy. Too often are you made to suffer at the hands of patronising critics, individuals who are so wrapped up in their ideals and pretentious ways that they feel obliged to criticise and bad-mouth your production. Anchorman; Step Brothers; Talladega Nights - all examples of misunderstood cult favourites.

However, we here at Shadowlocked understand the importance of objectivity when reviewing a release and are more than happy to give credit where credit is due. So, without further ado, we present you with our ten most memorable comedy movie scenes...

10. Step Brothers - "Hey, are you awake?"

When Step Brothers was released back in 2008, its two protagonists - Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly - were the most in-demand comic actors at the time and had a number of successful partnerships already behind them. However, despite much promise and an estimated $65 million budget, the film received mixed reviews - a common occurrence among this genre of film - and failed to fully utilise the true improv natures that both of its stars had become known for. However, the film still managed to be funny as hell in places and, on occasion, simply shone. In this scene, you can't help but feel that the director just told both actors to 'run with it' and do and say whatever came to mind, something they took full advantage of.

9. 40-Year-Old Virgin - Sex Clinic

Sex for the first time can be a daunting task. Working out what goes where, how much pressure should be applied or realising that you're nowhere near your intended target are just a handful of common reported problems in a first sexual experience. Now, imagine if you were 40 years of age and you were still anticipating this. On top of the obvious pressures typically connected with sex, there is also an unfortunate social stigma associated with being a virgin, especially if you are 40 years of age. Surely it's enough to drive any man to insanity? Well, as Andy Stitzer shows, virgins should not be afraid to admit who they are or even ask for advice on the subject - as long as there is an awkward teenager to deflect the attention (see overweight child in clip). Either way, there's no reason for anyone to feel inferior or odd just because 'it' hasn't happened yet; just enjoy growing up and let it happen naturally...

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8. The Hangover - "There's a tiger in the bathroom!"

The Hangover really was the surprise package of 2009. The film - which smashed box-office estimates whilst establishing its cast as household names - followed four 'friends' as they embarked on a debauched, drug-fuelled bachelor party in Las Vegas. However, as the title suggests, the film's roots lay in the fact that none of the four could remember a thing from the night before and had in fact lost the husband-to-be, an issue which became increasingly more urgent as the time went on.

However, it is this scene that really epitomises what The Hangover truly was; an off-the-scale, unexpected comedy that brought as much delight from its intrinsic plot turns as Mike Tyson gets from punching someone in the face.

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