Ishtar (1987)
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19% of critics liked it
(26 reviews) -
33% of users liked it
(4,689 ratings)
Considered one of the great box-office turkeys of its decade, Ishtar was an attempt by writer/director Elaine May and stars Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty to do a modern-day road picture in the style of the much-loved Bob Hope and Bing Crosby comedy classics. Beatty is Lyle Rogers, a dimwitted… More Considered one of the great box-office turkeys of its decade, Ishtar was an attempt by writer/director Elaine May and stars Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty to do a modern-day road picture in the style of the much-loved Bob Hope and Bing Crosby comedy classics. Beatty is Lyle Rogers, a dimwitted songwriter who befriends and partners with Chuck Clarke (Hoffman), who is only slightly more intelligent but every bit as untalented. Together the duo dreams of becoming a big-time lounge act, but their songs, with titles like "That a Lawnmower Can Do All That," are unintentionally hilarious. Chuck becomes suicidal, but just when it seems they'll never strike it rich, the boys are offered a shady gig at a North African hotel, entertaining U.S. troops stationed in the tiny nation of Ishtar. On their way to accept the job, Lyle, Chuck, and their blind camel are sidetracked by a mysterious woman (Isabelle Adjani) and a scheming CIA agent (Charles Grodin), who are involved in a rebellion against the country's emir. The memorable songs crafted by Chuck and Lyle were written by actor and composer Paul Williams. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- PG-13, 1 hr. 47 min.
- Directed By
- Elaine May
- Genres
- Comedy
- In Theaters
- May 15, 1987 Wide
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A victim of its own hyped publicity and too harsh criticism, Ishtar is not the worst movie ever made or even a bomb, just a dim-witted silly comedy-thriller (with some good jokes) based on the casting against type of Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman.
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Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
The intentionally bad songs and the early scenes in New York City are amusing, but the movie totally falls apart once Beatty and Hoffman arrive in the fictional country of Ishtar.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A failed attempt at doing a modern Bob Hope-Bing Crosby "Road" picture.
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Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review
Better then you've heard. Paul William's songs are genius.
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Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
It's pretty bad, but not as bad as its legend.
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Warren Beattyas Lyle Rogers -
Dustin Hoffmanas Chuck Clarke -
Isabelle Adjanias Shirra Assel
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Charles Grodinas Jim Harrison -
Jack Westonas Marty Freed Talent Agent -
Tess Harperas Willa
