The tactic writers are using to consistently produce today’s best comedy: not just joke quality, but joke density.

Our panel of two sat down for an epic virtual discussion of our absolute favorites of 2009 — in every category we could think of — and set about explaining why each one made the list.

Instead of having to suffer the race-to-the-bottom most reality fare serves up, we’re witnessing a duel to the death between two of the most beloved and talented comedians in our nation.

We mourn the decline of a comedy institution, and offer an experimental solution to salvage it for the Digital Age.

An experiment begins: a simple regimen to combat the twin menaces of backlog and beer gut. Hop on the treadmill for at least 20 minutes every single day, and watch a movie every single night. Also features ‘12 Angry Men’, ‘On the Waterfront’, ‘Duck Soup’, and ‘[REC]‘.

Evolutions, for better or worse. Motion comics stray from their artistic roots, while a new trailer suggests Jason Reitman is growing as a filmmaker.

Brian and Spencer discuss Battlefield 1943, The Flaming Lips, Netherland, The Big Rewind, World War Z, Orphan, In The Loop and online Netflix parties. It’s good to be back.

A slew of smarter, more stylish takes on romance give movie snobs something they can get mushy over without the guilt: love stories with substance.

Tell us your favorite The State moment, and you could win a DVD prize pack worth literally tens of dollars.

Between breaks for holidays and vacations, a brief return with notes on Patton Oswalt in ‘Big Fan’, ‘The State’ on DVD, Chan-wook Park’s ‘Thirst’, New Flaming Lips, and ‘Modern Warfare 2′ (with goggles?).