Movies

Remember when comedies used to be actual movies with actual stories with actual points and the funny just flowed out of them, instead of just a flimsy excuse to string together jokes and funny scenes and stock situations? Yeah, me too. What happened? If you're in the mood for a great movie that will get you to cough up a boatload of honest laughs, then you ain't gonna do better than TOOTSIE. You are not going to find a better written, acted, and directed comedy anywhere. There are plenty as good - but none better. This is a career highpoint for all involved, and when "all" includes names such as Sydney Pollack and Dustin Hoffman, you know that's a sentiment that carries some significant weight. And it just reaffirms the old adage that every single comedy should have Bill Murray in it.

Dustin Hoffmann, one of the most respected "serious" actors, takes on the role of a man who keeps his job by playing female character. This sounds like a throwaway role with people clicking their tongues and saying, he probably needed some money between gigs. Of course, if you've ever seen this, you know this is not true. The script is marvelous and Hoffmann steals every scene. It really takes off as he assumes his femininity and begins to see what it is to be a woman, the unfairness and roadblocks they must face. Jessica Lange is superb as well, as his confidante and love interest. There is nothing silly or absurd about this, once you accept the premise. Beautifully portrayed with a sad realism that works to this day.

Possibly the best gender comedy of all time! Everything in this baby clicks: A script that is both clever, endearing and realistic in its depiction of the emotional transformation within Michael Dorsey, incredible acting performances (with Dustin Hoffman, Terri Garr and unbilled Bill Murray as standouts) and a great soundtrack that adds volumes to the mood of the film.This is a 10! Watch it!