Comedy films
A Review of "Take This Job and Shove It!"
Fresh Air film critic Bill Van Wert speaks with Terry Gross about the new movie, Take This Job and Shove It!
Bending Over Backward for Mediocrity
Stephen Schiff thinks everyone involved in the new film Ishtar was going through the motions, including stars Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty.
Star Power Brings Audiences into Theaters
Film critic Stephen Schiff credits the success of Beverly Hills Cop II more to its star, Eddie Murphy, than the movie itself -- which doesn't share any of the virtues of its predecessor.
The Comedies of Preston Sturges
Critic Ken Tucker recommends home video releases of the the director's films The Palm Beach Story and The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, which he says have a quick wit not often found in contemporary comedies.
A Mostly Disappointing Summer Movie Season
Critic-at-large Laurie Stone says that the recent crop of movies left her cranky, with their focus on style over substance. But they weren't all bad -- she recommends seeing RoboCop, Withnail and I, and Innerspace.
A Nutty Comedy about Food
Stephen Schiff says that the recent Japanese movie Tampopo pays homage to the Seventh Samurai and countless other films. The food-obsessed plot is both absurd and telling: the movie satisfies and leaves you hungry for more.
Novelty Videos.
Ken Tucker reviews several new home video releases, one featuring comic Tim Conway in an instructional guide for golf titled "Dorf on Golf."
O. C. and Stiggs is an "Aimless Curiosity."
Ken Tucker reviews "OC and Stiggs," the latest Robert Altman film that bypassed theatrical release and went straight to video cassette distribution. Altman's best-known films include "M*A*S*H," "The Long Goodbye," and "California Split."
Previews of Frank Zappa's New Production Company and Other Video Releases.
Ken Tucker will review new home video releases, including the works of rock composer Frank Zappa.
"Broadcast News" is Irresistible.
Film Critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Broadcast News," the romantic comedy that takes a satiric look television news. It stars William Hurt, Holly Hunter and Albert Brooks.