Comedy: 488

Bird on a Wire (1990), directed by John Badham, tells the story of Attorney Marianne ‘Muffie’ Graves and her unexpected encounter with her former fiancé Rick Jarmin. While in Detroit for a business deal, Marianne discovers that Rick, who she believed to be dead after a plane crash, is actually alive and living under an assumed identity as part of the Witness Protection Program. After witnessing an attempt on his life by DEA agents Eugene Sorenson and Albert ‘Diggs’ Diggins – who were released from prison due to Rick’s testimony – Marianne decides to help Rick go on the run. She ...

Tune in Tomorrow (1990) is an American comedy film directed by Jon Amiel, based on the 1977 Mario Vargas Llosa novel Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter. Martin Loader works at WXBU, the local radio station, where scriptwriter Pedro Carmichael becomes his mentor. Pedro has a tendency to weave real-life events into his outrageous storylines and this time it involves Martin’s Aunt Julia, who returns to New Orleans after many years away. As their romance unfolds, Pedro starts incorporating details of their relationship into his daily drama series ‘Kings of ...

I Love You to Death (1990) is an American black comedy film directed by Lawrence Kasdan. Set in Tacoma, Washington, the story follows Italian American Joey Boca as he confesses his infidelity to a priest during church. Despite admitting to cheating on his wife Rosalie with several women over the past few weeks, Joey struggles to remember the exact number and details of his affairs. His lack of remorse shocks the priest. Joey and Rosalie have been married for years and share two children, while also co-owning a pizza parlor and an apartment building. As the manager of the building, Joey often rents apartments to his ...

The animated television series, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventures (1990–1991), is a spin-off of the 1989 film by the same name. It continues the story of Bill and Ted, two teenage musicians who are approached by Rufus, a man from the future. Rufus enlists their help in graduating high school so they can start a band that will inspire future generations. Throughout the series, they journey through different time periods to ensure that history remains intact. The show’s first season was produced by Hanna-Barbera and aired on CBS, with Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, George Carlin, and Bernie Casey reprising their roles from the film.

The American comedy film, Too Much Sun (1990), was directed by Robert Downey Sr. and stars Robert Downey Jr. In the movie, a wealthy man makes a stipulation in his will that his children must produce a grandchild within a year after his passing in order to inherit his fortune.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990–1996), a popular American sitcom, was created by Andy and Susan Borowitz for NBC and originally aired from 1990 to 1996. The show follows the fictionalized version of Will Smith, a street-smart teenager from West Philadelphia who is sent to live with his wealthy relatives in Los Angeles. The clash between his lifestyle and that of his upper-class family makes for entertaining episodes. Considered Smith’s breakthrough into television, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ran for 148 ...

The movie The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990) was directed and produced by Brian De Palma. It follows the story of Sherman McCoy, a wealthy bond trader on Wall Street who indulges in lavish living and receives sexual favors from Maria Ruskin, a gold digger from the South. While driving back to Maria’s apartment from JFK Airport, they accidentally end up in the dangerous South Bronx area. As they attempt to move a tire blocking their way, Sherman is confronted by two African American teenagers. In a panic, Maria speeds in reverse and runs over one of the boys before driving away. Though initially wanting to report ...

Alice (1990), an American fantasy romantic comedy film written and directed by Woody Allen, follows the story of Alice Tate. Alice is an upper-class Manhattan homemaker who indulges in shopping, beauty treatments, and gossip with her friends. After being married to the wealthy Doug for 16 years, their two children are primarily raised by a nanny. One day, she meets Joe Ruffalo, a handsome jazz musician, and feels drawn to him. Despite her Catholic guilt for these emotions, which eventually manifest as a backache, she seeks help from Dr. Yang – an Asian herbalist who hypnotizes her. Under hypnosis, Alice reveals ...

Quick Change (1990), an American crime comedy film directed by Howard Franklin and Bill Murray, is based on the novel of the same name by Jay Cronley. In the movie, Grimm, dressed as a clown, cleverly robs a bank in midtown Manhattan with his girlfriend Phyllis and best friend Loomis. However, their simple heist turns into a chaotic nightmare when they try to make their getaway to catch a flight out of the country. The group must navigate through the chaos of New York City and its conspiring forces to reach the airport. ...

Turner & Hooch (1989), an American comedy starring Tom Hanks and Beasley the Dog respectively, follows the story of Scott Turner, an attentive police investigator in serene Cypress Beach, California, who is preparing to move to a more thrilling job in Sacramento. As he introduces his replacement David Sutton to the town’s sights, Scott bids farewell to his close friend Amos Reed. However, their plans are interrupted when they are called to investigate the discovery of $8,000 at the beach. Meanwhile, local seafood mogul Walter Boyett has one of his employees ...

The American black comedy film, The ‘Burbs (1989), was directed by Joe Dante. During a week-long vacation, suburban homeowner Ray Peterson overhears strange noises coming from the basement of his secluded new neighbors, the Klopeks. Along with Art Weingartner and Vietnam War veteran Mark Rumsfield, Ray becomes suspicious that the Klopeks may be ritualistic murderers. One night, they witness the youngest Klopek carrying an unusually large garbage bag to their trash can and forcefully crushing it down. Despite a rainy night, Ray spots the Klopeks digging in their backyard. The following day, Ray, Mark, and Art ...

Parenthood (1989) is a hilarious and touching family dramedy, helmed by director Ron Howard who collaborated with screenwriters Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel on the story. Gil Buckman, a salesman from St. Louis, is struggling to juggle his job and his family. He faces a tough situation when he discovers that his oldest son Kevin needs therapy for emotional problems, and that his younger children Taylor and Justin also have their own issues. As he begins to blame himself and question his parenting abilities, Gil’s ...

Stephen Herek directed the American science fiction comedy film, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989). The screenplay was written by Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon. In the year 2688, humanity lives in a perfect society thanks to the influence of William ‘Bill’ S. Preston, Esq., and Ted ‘Theodore’ Logan, known as the Two Great Ones. Rufus is selected by leaders to time-travel back to San Dimas, California in 1988 using a phone booth-shaped machine. His mission is to ensure that two ...

The Simpsons (1989–2024), an American animated sitcom by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company, is a satirical portrayal of life in America. It follows the Simpson family – consisting of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie – in the fictional town of Springfield as they humorously exaggerate society, Western culture, television, and the human condition. The idea for the family came to Groening while working on animated shorts with producer James L. Brooks. He based them on his own relatives, ...

The Dream Team (1989), an American comedy thriller directed by Howard Zieff, follows the story of psychologist Dr. Jeff Weitzman in his work at a New Jersey sanitarium. His patients include Billy, Henry, Jack, and Albert. Among them, Billy stands out as the group’s de facto leader despite his dangerous tendencies and constant lying. Henry struggles with OCD and has convinced himself that he is one of the doctors at the hospital, often seen carrying a clipboard and wearing a lab coat and stethoscope. Jack used to work in advertising but now believes he is Jesus Christ. Lastly, Albert communicates solely through ...

Out Cold (1989) is an American black comedy film directed by Malcolm Mowbray and set in San Pedro, Los Angeles. The city’s Edward Hopper-inspired scenery sets the stage for a story that unfolds with precise linearity. Sunny enlists the help of a private detective to follow her husband Ernie, whom she suspects of cheating on her. However, it is revealed that Sunny herself is also having an affair. Regardless, she still wants the detective to gather all the necessary evidence so she can take advantage in their divorce proceedings. Impatient and ruthless, Sunny seizes the ...

Get Smart, Again! (1989) is an American made-for-television comedy film based on the 1965–1970 NBC/CBS sitcom Get Smart!. The film follows the story of Maxwell Smart, who was a protocol officer after the disbandment of CONTROL in the 1970s. However, he is called back into action as a counterintelligence agent by Commander Drury of the United States Intelligence Agency. This time, KAOS – which was thought to be dissolved – has resurfaced due to a corporate takeover. Their latest plan involves using a forgotten American scientist and his weather control machine to demand a whopping $250 billion from the US government. Commander Drury believes that ...

The film Meet the Feebles (1989), directed by Peter Jackson, follows the ambitions of a New Zealand puppet theatre troupe known as The Feeble Variety Hour. As they rehearse for their big break in television, tensions rise when star singer Heidi is insulted by pornographic director Trevor. Seeking support from her boss and secret lover Bletch, Heidi discovers his affair with performer Samantha. Meanwhile, newcomer Robert is immediately smitten with Lucille, and with the help of manager Arthur, the two become engaged. But drama ensues as Samantha reveals her involvement with Bletch to Heidi. Adding to the chaos, animal ...

Satisfaction (1988) is an American comedy-drama film directed by Joan Freeman. Jennie Lee, lead singer of the all-girl Baltimore rock band, the Mystery, gives a valedictorian speech at her high school graduation while fellow band member and bass guitarist Daryle accepts a marriage proposal from her high school sweetheart, Frankie. The band is headed to Florida to audition for a summer nightclub gig but faces numerous challenges – Jennie’s brother opposes the trip since it could disrupt her college plans, their keyboardist has abruptly left the band, and their drummer Mooch has offended a gang member who ...

The comedy drama film The Prince of Pennsylvania (1988) is the brainchild of writer and director Ron Nyswaner. Rupert Marshetta, the son of a miner, is a precocious and misunderstood character. He has dropped out of high school and feels out of place in his small town. Rupert’s frustration with his parents, Gary and Pam, stems from their rocky relationship. He also harbors strong feelings for Carla, an older woman who runs an old-fashioned ice cream stand along the roadside. Carla shares a daughter with her ex-boyfriend Joe, a state trooper. When Gary reveals to Rupert that he views himself as the king of ...