Ishtar
Ishtar

Movie spotlight

Ishtar

1987
Movie
107 min
English

Two terrible lounge singers get booked to play a gig in a Moroccan hotel but somehow become pawns in an international power play between the CIA, the Emir of Ishtar, and the rebels trying to overthrow his regime.

Insights

IMDb5.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes24%
Metacritic31/100
Google Users55%
Director: Elaine MayGenres: Comedy, Adventure

Plot Summary

Two mediocre American lounge singers, Lyle and Chuck, embark on a journey to the Moroccan city of Ishtar. Unbeknownst to them, they become entangled in a dangerous political conflict involving a valuable artifact and a CIA agent. Their quest for fame and fortune quickly devolves into a chaotic and perilous adventure as they navigate treacherous terrain and international intrigue.

Critical Reception

Ishtar is widely regarded as one of the biggest box office bombs in Hollywood history. It was critically panned upon its release for its convoluted plot, unfocused humor, and perceived waste of its stars' talents and a massive budget. Despite its initial reception, it has gained a cult following over the years, with some appreciating its unique brand of absurdity.

What Reviewers Say

  • A bewilderingly unfunny and aimless comedy.

  • A colossal waste of talent and money, resulting in a disjointed narrative.

  • Despite its notorious reputation, some viewers find a strange, campy charm in its failure.

Google audience: Google users are largely unimpressed with Ishtar, citing its lack of humor and nonsensical plot. While some acknowledge its legendary status as a flop, most find it to be an unenjoyable viewing experience.

Fun Fact

Ishtar holds the record for the largest financial loss for a film at the time of its release, with estimates of its deficit ranging from $40 million to $100 million, making it a legendary Hollywood flop.

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