Damon Wayans, John Goodman, Kim Greist

At the height of the standup-comedy boom of the 1980s, this film offered the revelation that many comedians were, in fact, rather psychologically unstable individuals for whom performing was an outlet...( read more  read more... ) for hostility and aggression. Wow--who would have guessed? This film focuses on two who meet and forge an unlikely friendship: Tom Hanks plays a caustic, self-destructive comic looking for his big break and Sally Field plays a more Roseannelike comedian who begins neglecting her husband (John Goodman) and children because she gets such a kick out of performing. The offstage stuff is strictly soap opera, but Hanks and Field both develop solid comedic rhythms once they get behind a microphone. --Marshall Fine

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36% liked it

6,212 ratings

R, 128 min.

Directed by: David Seltzer

Release Date: September 30, 1988

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DVD Release Date: July 9, 2002

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Flixster Reviews (142)


  • September 29, 2009
    I feel the same way about this movie as Apatow's Funny People. They deal with the same themes. I don't find this behind-the-scenes of stand up comedy to be very thought-provoking.
  • July 6, 2009
    Sally Field as a stand-up comic? I don't think so...
  • May 7, 2008
    Hey, Mr. Hanks! Remember this one? Of course you don't.
  • May 24, 2007
    I odn't think this movie got the proper raves. The obvious chemistry between Sally and Tom must have sparked the thought of putting them together in 'Forrest gump"
  • October 18, 2009
    comedy is hard.. love it.
  • February 18, 2009
    Very funny and insighful.
  • December 27, 2008
    Funny. A story of two comedians who helped each other through the rough times in life by believing in each other when no one else would, which guided them on to their more fulfilled lives. A movie of perfect timing. Gosh! I needed that.
  • July 14, 2008
    Stand up comedians are really funny
    Tom Hanks, funny guy
    Everything he says is a joke
  • March 2, 2008
    This was a waonderful movie. Sally is just amazing (when isn't she?) Tom Hanks...classic! See it if you haven't. And shame on you.
  • December 9, 2007
    An insight to the life of a stand up. Good cast.

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