Punchline (1988): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Punchline is a 1988 comedy drama directed by David Seltzer, starring Tom Hanks, John Goodman and Sally Field. It runs 2 hours 8 minutes and earned $21 million worldwide. Critics gave it 52 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 8m (128 min)
- Director
- David Seltzer
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Columbia Pictures of Canada
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Punchline About?
The premise of Punchline without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Two struggling assassins find themselves in a darkly comedic rivalry, attempting to one-up each other while pursuing their target, Michel. Their twisted quest involves a competition to deliver the perfect, cutting one-liner before taking down their mark. As they navigate their complicated personal relationships and grapple with moral ambiguities, the story explores themes of love, laughter, and the lethal nature of their profession, all with a uniquely offbeat sense of humor.
Punchline Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- self discovery
- new york city
- stand up comedian
- housewife
- nightclub
- medical student
- montage
- girl
- father daughter relationship
- husband wife relationship
- mother daughter relationship
- unrequited love
+38 more Show fewer
- argument
- dysfunctional marriage
- self sacrifice
- emotional breakdown
- audition
- telling a joke
- title spoken by character
- reference to elvis presley
- nurse
- crying man
- medical school
- nursing home
- reference to the son of sam
- kiss
- rain
- doctor
- taxi
- dysfunctional family
- bar
- dinner
- profanity
- men's bathroom
- diner
- kitchen
- subway
- megaphone
- self confidence
- haircut
- hair salon
- talent scout
- fish tank
- dancing in the rain
- boom box
- man dresses as a nun
- hanks and field
- comedian
- one word title
- reference to charles manson
Punchline Cast
Tom Hanks leads the cast, with John Goodman and Sally Field. Directed by David Seltzer; 9 actors are credited in all.
- Director David Seltzer
Also Starring in Punchline
· 5 moreMore from David Seltzer
More films directed by David Seltzer, best-rated first: Lucas, Nobody’s Baby and Shining Through.
Punchline Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Punchline 52 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10.
-
IMDb 5.9 /10
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 52 Metascore
User score 6.4
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 54% User score
See on TMDB
Punchline Plot Summary
What happens in Punchline from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Steven Gold is a struggling medical student who moonlights as a stand-up comedian, a dual life that becomes increasingly clear as he flails in the clinic yet shines on a club stage. When a big break finally looms, the pressure gets to him, threatening to derail everything he’s worked for. His counterpart in this story is Lilah, a devoted housewife who dreams of performing stand-up herself. Lilah possesses natural flair and a ready wit, but she lacks the confidence and polish that come with practice and experience.
Full summary
The whole story of Punchline, scene by scene
Punchline Box Office
Punchline grossed $21 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$21M
- US & Canada
- $21M
Punchline Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Punchline.
How Well Do You Know Punchline?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is Steven Gold's daytime occupation while he moonlights as a stand-up comedian?
Cars in Punchline
18 cars on screen, including the 1984 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Stretched Limousine and the 1974 Checker Marathon.
-
1984 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Stretched Limousine Minor role -
1974 Checker Marathon Minor role -
1981 Chevrolet Impala Minor role -
1981 Dodge Diplomat Minor role
Punchline Also Known As
16 alternative titles, including “Rap i replikken” and “Életem a kabaré”.
- Also known as
-
- Rap i replikken
- Életem a kabaré
- Lo que cuenta es el final
- L'ultima battuta
- Pointa
- Punchline - Der Knalleffekt
- Puenta
- פאנץ' ליין
- Изюминка
- Le Mot de la fin
- Palco de Ilusões
- 头条笑料
+4 more Show fewer
- 頭條笑料
- 톰 행크스의 비상전략
- パンチライン
- Родзинка
Seen Punchline?
Movies Like Punchline
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Love Punch, Punch-Drunk Love and Life’s Punchline.
Punchline FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Punchline, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Punchline?
Punchline runs 2 hours 8 minutes (128 minutes).
When was Punchline released?
Punchline was released on October 7, 1988.
Who directed Punchline?
Punchline was directed by David Seltzer.
More films by David Seltzer Who is in the cast of Punchline?
Punchline stars Tom Hanks, John Goodman and Sally Field, among 9 credited actors.
How much did Punchline make at the box office?
Punchline grossed $21 million worldwide.
How is Punchline rated?
Punchline has 5.9/10 on IMDb, 52 on Metacritic and 54% on TMDB.
Does Punchline have a post-credit scene?
No. Punchline has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
