Punchline

In the same year as his breakout role in Big (1988), Tom Hanks also starred as a failing medical student-cum-stand-up comedian in this largely ignored comedic drama. As the troubled and often unsympathetic Steven Gold, Hanks almost singlehandedly rescues routine story material with his compelling performance. Reluctantly taking housewife and fellow aspiring comic, Lilah (Sally Field), under his wing, Gold not only redeems his selfish character but improbably falls in love with his protégé as well. In an overly ironic twist, the student ends up reigning victorious over her coach at a comedy-club competition. Despite its knowing glimpse behind the stand-up scene, the script fails to pack a punch in the joke department. Presented in both widescreen and full-screen formats, the extra-less disc looks fine. A strong optional purchase. (T. Rich)