Mannequin

Mannequin is currently streaming in Australia on Amazon Prime Video, and in the UK on Amazon Prime Video, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. 827 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Andrew McCarthy is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Available now on Amazon Prime Video — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Mannequin is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Mannequin from the crowd. Jonathan Switcher, an unemployed artist, finds a job as an assistant window dresser for a department store. When Jonathan happens upon a beautiful mannequin he previously designed, she springs to life and introduces herself as Emmy, an Egyptian under an ancient spell. Despite interference from the store's devious manager, Jonathan and his mannequin fall in love while creating eye-catching window displays to keep the struggling store in business. Andrew McCarthy and Kim Cattrall lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1987. What keeps Mannequin from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Mannequin respects your intelligence. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Andrew McCarthy is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.