Bachelor Party

Starring Tom Hanks, Adrian Zmed, and Tawney Kitaen
Directed by Neal Israel
Year: 1984
IMDB / Wikipedia

Now, this is the kind of 1980s comedy I can get behind, if only because it has what every good 1980s comedy has: cheap laughs, decent storyline, solid acting, and gratuitous nudity. Oh, and Tom Hanks in his natural element as a comedic actor, let’s not forget that. Almost everything else in this film could have been replaced by another actor or setting or what-have-you, but Hanks is a comedic genius. I’m not going to go so far and say that winning an Oscar ruined him, but I miss funny Hanks and the only time I get to see him anymore is on his rare appearances on The Colbert Report.

But the movie is still some good 80s comedy gold about a bachelor party for a wild man thrown by his wild friends that quickly spirals out of control into a fit of hilarity. All the while, the relationship is being undermined by the bride’s father, a jealous suitor, and a hotel manager that turn the night into one wild ride that is funny from beginning to end. If you’ve ever wondered where other movies get their ideas about how a wild night can get out of control, they often look to this film as many scenes and gaffes get recycled in later films. Still a good film to see the genesis of those laughs.

Most Valuable Actor: I know I fawned over Hanks in the starring role, but I have to give this one to Adrian Zmed as Hanks’ best friend Jay who orchestrates the entire night of debauchery all with a winning smile on his face. It’s a shame we never really saw Zmed ever again.

Trailer: