Punchline (1988)

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 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 Amazon.com essential video

Mediocre at best

I remember seeing this movie in the theaters. I saw it on television today for the first time in a long time. It is pretty much as plain as I remember it. If the comedy club scenes are supposed to make you laugh, they did not succeed with me.
Not being a big fan of Tom Hanks, he met my expectations of a boring performance. Sally Field should have avoided this movie. It is interesting to see this movie if you are into 1980's movies, but I don't recommend buying it for your collection.
May 20, 2007

Very Enjoyible

They are trying to be stand up comics, its very funny! I got a stomach ache I laugh so hard. Tom Hanks and Sally Feild shine with the help of John Goodman. November 30, 2006

an underrated film

don't let the box and subject matter fool you in believing that this is your typical 80's comedy.it's not.it's more of a drama and shows the lives of stand-up comedians,hopeful for that big break.i'm guessing that this film isn't more well known because people were disappointed that this wasn't another Tom Hanks '80's comedy.it's a shame because this is a very good film.it's not perfect but still worth the price.i first saw this on late night cable(HBO) when it first came out and fell in love with it immediately and have watched it a dozen or so times since.the cast is great,very well acted,and i think that Hanks and Field should have gotten the recognition that they so very well deserved.John Goodman also stars,playing Fields husband,and as always is great as well.eventhough i stated this is more of a drama,there are some very funny parts as well.other reviewers stated when field is running late to make dinner, but my favorite is either when their daughter tells a joke at the dinner table with priests as guests or when fields gets her hair done and hanks responds,"did they drill your head for bowling?" if you like the cast and are also a fan of stand-up comedy you shouldn't be disappointed. November 16, 2005

good story and funny

Not many people even know about this film.
Tom Hanks is great in this. Sally Fields does a great job in this also. Also watch for John Goodman who does his usual fantastic supporting role in this. Plus a young Damon Wayons in
this!!! You can't go wrong with this one. October 12, 2005

Punchline - Fairly routine

The pursuit of one's dream, no matter what the consequences, is what this movie is all about. Tom Hanks and Sally Field have stand-up comedy in their blood. But there are obstacles to achieving the dream of doing comedy: for Hanks it's his father who wants him to be a doctor; for Fields it's a husband and family. Hanks wants Fields to run away with him, but Fields has it out with her husband, explains her needs, and he buys into it. A lot of the movie takes place in comedy clubs where Hanks can play his wacky role to the hilt, but Fields seems out of place and not very funny: when she wins the contest at the end and then refuses to accept the prize in order to join her husband - this is called eating your cake and having it, too - it's the biggest fraud of all. Just not a very believable movie. April 29, 2005

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