Comic smackdown: Sandler vs. Ferrell

Worst comedy moment
Can someone rip “Little Nicky” too much? Probably not. I don’t know if it’s the permanent scowl, the Mobil Oil hair, or what, but the movie just makes me shudder. Though, the same goes for “Zoolander.” You’d think playing fashion mogul/diabolical genius Jacobin Mugatu would lend itself to some comic moments, but you’d be wrong.

In the battle of who’s movie is the worst, does anyone really win? EDGE: Viewer with discerning taste.

Quotable
“Anchorman” was a litany of inane lines, ready made for quoting. “Old School,” in addition to the Bed, Bath & Beyond quote, also has “It tastes so good when it first hits your lips.” But Sandler mastered the killer quote in his early movies.

“Billy Madison”
“I AM THE SMARTEST MAN ALIVE!” (after spelling couch).

“Happy Gilmore”
“You eat pieces of s--t for breakfast?”
And, of course, “The price was wrong, bitch.”

“Wedding Singer”
“Once again, things that could have been brought to my attention YESTERDAY!”

Nowadays, Sandler is losing ground, but he’s got a big lead. EDGE: Sandler.

Cultural impact
This may be the most critical factor because it determines a comedian’s success. Can the guy ensure that people will go see his movies again and again?

Sandler’s established his Hollywood persona and it works. He’s a certified box office success who can venture into dramatic roles on occasion with critical applause. If consistency counts, he’s the equivalent of “Law & Order”: You always know what you’re gonna get and it rarely dips too low or soars too high.

But Ferrell is a shooting star. I wouldn’t call him an overnight success — after seven years on SNL and doing bit roles in movies, he’s earned his shot — but after two starring roles and his bravura role in “Old School,” Ferrell seems poised for something huge. He’s everywhere. And every movie is a must-see because he’s in it — except for “Melinda and Melinda” (even Ferrell can’t save Woody Allen’s latest). Ten years from now, Sandler may still be making movies, but Ferrell will be in the Jim Carrey, Mike Myers league. EDGE: Ferrell.

Overall
Sandler’s been in the game longer, so it makes sense that he’d come out ahead. “Longest Yard” is a nice way to stay ahead, too — and avoid the glut of ho-hum roles. And if he wants to throw in a little manic Sandler, à la “Billy Madison” or “Happy Gilmore,” even better. A return to one’s roots never hurts.

Ferrell’s on the rise and is my personal favorite, but comes up just short. He can’t compete with Sandler’s box-office success. For now. If he can make “Kicking and Screaming” a hoot and make “Bewitched” work, then the man is destined for greatness.

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