BY MICHAEL GOODPASTER
(FOUR) SPLASH
This was Tom Hank’s first big role. He had some TV experience and a few smaller parts under his belt, but this was when people took notice of his natural charm and likeablity. He proved he could carry a movie here. It was 1984 too! A million and four years ago. I still remember this movie fondly and catch it on cable once every few years or so. I think it still holds up... as much as a movie about a mermaid come to life can.
(THREE) BACHELOR PARTY
Screw “The Hangover”. This movie was that before the stars of that movie were out of school. Again, 1984! Crazy! He stars here as a guy involved with a bachelor party. The friends he has are crazy, the antics are offensive, excessive, and all the best “ives”! If you like The Hangover or are just into raunchier R rated comedies than you should have already seen this. If not, do it now!
(TWO) THE BURBS
I remember seeing this 1989 cult classic at the drive in as a kid. I think this movie is part of the reason I LOVE dark comedy so much. This movie explores the insanity and paranoia of a group of suburban neighbors who freak out over the freaks that just moved in. It gets more and more crazy. I’ve still not seen Hanks do a movie this dark in its comedy since. There have been others, but nothing… NOTHING like this movie. In fact, I think I’m convinced to watch it again as soon as I possibly can.
(ONE) BIG
He won a Golden Globe, American Comedy Award, and about a dozen other awards for this 1988 all time great. This movie is beautiful and amazing at the same time. It follows a little boy who makes a wish at an ominous arcade style machine. He wishes to be “big”… he wakes up and he’s Tom FN Hanks! He ends up lucking into a job and does pretty well for himself. Someone without a high school diploma living in a nice loft in New York without dealing drugs or living off their family money? Yeah… it WAS 1988.
|
