Hey, remember when Tom Hanks was funny? I mean, not that he is not funny now, but when he was EXCLUSIVELY funny? Well, I do, and I miss that Tom Hanks, so I’m going to reacquaint myself with that Tom Hanks, because that’s the Tom Hanks I love, and that’s the Tom Hanks I miss.
See, some of you grew up with a very different Tom Hanks than the one I grew up watching. Bosom Buddies is the first thing that comes to mind. What a ridiculous show that was, but it worked in bringing the funny, in a very silly way.
Of course, you really couldn’t get away with such a ridiculous show in this day and age, and the attempt at it with ABC’s terrible ‘Work It’ proves that. It was a very different time in television when Bosom Buddies was on the air. Also, a very different Tom Hanks.
It was in the 80′s, though, and after some guest appearances on several television shows, that Tom hit his stride with some truly remarkably funny films. Splash, Volunteers, The Money Pit, Big, Dragnet, The ‘Burbs, Turner and Hooch…but the one I want to take a look at is one of my personal favorites of his: Bachelor Party.
Now, there’s really not a lot to say about this movie except that it is hilarious. Tom is spot on with his comedic performance. We even get a young Tawny Kitean, looking as good as she ever has, mainly due to this being before Whitesnake videos and plastic enhancements. Also, she’s pretty good in her role as Tom’s fiancee.
Not only that, but the supporting cast in this movie is just too rich to not enjoy. Deborah Harmon, Gary Grossman, Adrian Zmed, Michael Dudikoff, and Wendie Jo Sperber, RIP, who was a true comedic staple during the 80′s. She is missed.
Oh, the plot? Yeah, I guess there is one of those, although the name of the film pretty much tells you everything you really need to know. Basically, Tom is engaged to Tawny. Tawny’s family is a bunch of rich snobs who dislike Tom and his wacky ways immensely. They want to see her marry her controlling, bullish ex-boyfriend, played brilliantly by Robert Prescott.
Tom’s friends decide to pull off the Bachelor Party to end all Bachelor Parties, while Tawny’s Father and ex-boyfriend see it as an opportunity to either buy him off, or set him up so that the wedding plans will be destroyed.
Yep, it’s the 80′s, alright, and it couldn’t be more fun. As I said, everyone’s performance in this is spot on and just so much fun. There are tons of outrageous pranks and zany characters to enjoy. Also, since it’s an 80′s comedy, you know there’s tons of T&A.
Now I know we will never get this Tom back in movies. He has evolved into something more, and that’s fine. I do really wish he would do some wacky comedy again, but I am more than happy to have this golden streak from the 80′s that he did, as I truly love and appreciate every single one of them. However, Bachelor Party definitely holds a special place in the funny chambers of my heart. It’s just so great!
So raise a glass to a man who entertained us with his perfect comedic timing, funny Tom Hanks. TO FUNNY TOM!
Oh, and I should also mention that there is a pill popping, cocaine sniffing donkey involved. YES!
