Punchline
Seen it?1988 | 123 min | Comedy, Drama
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With middling reviews (57% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 49% audience score, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Great for anyone looking to switch off and smile and anyone who loves a strong drama. Good for nights when you want to switch off and laugh.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Lets scenes breathe, at 2 hr 3 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Skip it if you're after something serious tonight.
Lilah Krytsick is a mother and housewife who's always believed she could be a stand-up comedian. Steven Gold is an experienced stand-up seemingly on the cusp of success. When the two meet, they form an unlikely friendship, and Steven tries to help the untried Lilah develop her stage act. Despite the objections of her family and some very wobbly beginnings, Lilah improves, and soon she finds herself competing with Steven for a coveted television spot.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
57% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
Our audience score: 49%
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$21 million worldwide on a $15 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 41K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by David Seltzer
- Sally FieldLilah Krytsick
- Tom HanksSteven Gold
- John GoodmanJohn Krytsick
- Mark RydellRomeo
- Kim GreistMadeline Urie
- Paul MazurskyArnold
- Damon WayansPercy
- Taylor NegronAlbert Emperato
- Pam MattesonUtica Blake
- George McGrathBrian, the Singing Nun