Today’s quick review: Punchline. Lilah Krystick (Sally Field), a housewife who wants to be a stand-up comedian, gets the inspiration she needs when she meets Steven Gold (Tom Hanks), a talented comedian struggling to make ends meet. Steven teaches her how to perform naturally on stage, turning her from a novice to an up-and-comer. But as their friendship grows into something more, it drives a rift between Lilah and her husband John (John Goodman).
Punchline is a dramatic comedy about two comedians dealing with personal problems caused by their craft. Sally Field stars as Lilah, who goes against the wishes of her overbearing husband to pursue her dream of becoming a comic. Tom Hanks co-stars as Steven, a failed medical student who gambles everything on his comedy career. Punchline serves up a peculiar combination of skillful humor and mundane drama, making for an odd but satisfying watch.
Punchline has an unusual story that only really comes together at the end of the film. Punchline jumps around between comedy and drama almost at random, with sublime moments of humor up on the stage that are offset by some deeply uncomfortable personal conflicts. But there’s a method to the madness. Punchline loves to put Lilah and Steven through the wringer, but ultimately it’s a movie about resilience and the power of comedy to life people’s spirits.
Punchline defies easy classification. It is a patchwork of great jokes and awful ones, of emotional breakdowns and emotional triumphs. The variety will not suit everyone, and the payoff is not as spectacular as some of Tom Hanks’ more ambitious work. But for a viewer willing to roll with the punches, Punchline is a movie with a lot to offer. Steer clear if you’re looking for a purer comedy or a more focused drama.
For a much darker drama about a struggling comedian, try Joker.
5.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for being a diamond in the rough.