Punchline

REVIEW
This intriguing and often hilarious comedy-drama stars Hanks (in an unusual departure from his other film roles) as a self-centered medical student drop-out determined to make it in the world of stand-up comedy. Field nicely plays a New Jersey housewife (patterned on Roseanne?) who yearns to make people laugh. The film entertainingly explores both the milieu of the comic and the touching story of the friendship and ill-fated romance between Hanks and Field. Goodman plays Field's supportive husband, a role he'd play for nine years with you-know-who on TV.