Bowfinger

Bowfinger has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on BINGE and Paramount Plus. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Steve Martin is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Available now on BINGE — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

There is a reason Bowfinger keeps coming up in conversation. The jokes in Bowfinger land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. On the verge of bankruptcy and desperate for his big break, aspiring filmmaker Bobby Bowfinger concocts a crazy plan to make his ultimate dream movie. Rallying a ragtag team that includes a starry-eyed ingenue, a has-been diva and a film studio gofer, he sets out to shoot a blockbuster featuring the biggest star in Hollywood, Kit Ramsey -- only without letting Ramsey know he's in the picture. Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1999. Bowfinger earns its laughs from character rather than situation, which is why it does not wear thin the way pure farce tends to. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in Bowfinger. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Steve Martin anchors an ensemble with real chemistry. Genuinely funny, consistently, across the whole run.