Movie spotlight
Laughing Matters
Four women who are lesbian comedians perform and, offstage, talk about their lives: parents and childhood, coming out, becoming comics, the arc of their careers, and its rewards. Marga Gómez is Cuban-Puerto Rican, from New York City. She mines cultural differences, her hobby horse, and National Coming Out Day. Kate Clinton, lapsed Catholic, gets laughs there and from the comedy of the sex act. Karen Williams, African-American from Berkeley, talks about aging and about the need to tell her story. Suzanne Westenhoefer inherits her grandfather's humor, and she jokes about Martha Stewart and airport security. Each is serious about the power of humor to reveal what's at her core.
Insights
Plot Summary
A stand-up comedian, still grieving the loss of his wife, finds himself unexpectedly navigating a new relationship while confronting his past and his professional life. As he tries to balance his burgeoning romance with his responsibilities, he is forced to re-examine his own views on life, love, and happiness.
Critical Reception
Critically, 'Laughing Matters' received a mixed reception. While some critics praised its emotional depth and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Billy Crystal and Jane Fonda, others found the narrative to be predictable and the humor to be uneven.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its heartfelt performances and exploration of grief.
Criticized for a formulaic plot and inconsistent comedic elements.
Seen as a solid, if unexceptional, dramatic turn for Billy Crystal.
Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's emotional resonance and the strong chemistry between the lead actors. Many viewers appreciated the blend of humor and drama, finding it a touching, albeit sometimes slow-paced, story about dealing with loss and finding new love.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
The film marked the first on-screen pairing of Billy Crystal and Jane Fonda, despite both being prominent figures in Hollywood for decades.
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