The Daily Think

TOM HANKS FORGOTTEN GEMS OF THE EIGHTIES
Throughout the 1980s, Tom Hanks established himself as a comedic actor with a gift for delivering witty one-liners and endearing performances. From “Bachelor Party” to “Splash” to “The ‘burbs,” Hanks brought a likable charm to his roles that quickly won over audiences and helped propel him into stardom.

THE GRANDDADDY OF THEM ALL: BACHELOR PARTY
One of the hallmarks of Hanks’ comedic performances is his ability to combine humor with vulnerability, allowing audiences to empathize with his characters and root for their success. In “Bachelor Party,” for example, Hanks plays Rick, a groom-to-be who throws an epic bachelor party that quickly spirals out of control. Despite the film’s raunchy humor, Hanks manages to infuse Rick with a sense of humanity that makes him a sympathetic figure, especially when his fiancée’s disapproving parents show up unexpectedly.

SPLISH SPLASH
Similarly, in “Splash,” Hanks plays Allen Bauer, a man who falls in love with a mermaid named Madison (Daryl Hannah). While the film is undoubtedly a comedy, Hanks brings a sincerity and earnestness to his portrayal of Allen that helps ground the fantastical premise in reality. In one particularly memorable scene, Allen confronts Madison about her true identity, demanding to know why she has been keeping secrets from him. Hanks’ raw emotion in the scene is palpable, and it is clear that he is much more than just a comedic actor.

THE BURBS’: IT CAME WITH DA FRAME
One scene that stands out is when Ray and his neighbors are digging up the backyard of the new neighbors, convinced they are burying bodies. As they start to dig, they hit a gas line, causing an explosion that engulfs the backyard. In the aftermath of the explosion, Ray is clearly shaken and panicked. Hanks’ performance in this scene is raw and emotional, as he struggles to catch his breath and process the chaos around him.

Another example is when Ray confronts the new neighbors directly, accusing them of being murderers. In this scene, Hanks plays the role of the angry and confrontational neighbor with a level of intensity that is both believable and compelling. He manages to make the audience feel the fear and paranoia that his character is experiencing, even as they are laughing at the absurdity of the situation.

TRANSITION FROM COMEDY TO UGG…SERIOUS ROLES

Although the Oscar nomination he received in BIG may have been the beginning of the end of the truly great comedic runs, it was out of sequence as it came before the BURBS. But the above filmography from the 1980’s established his box office dominance which led to casting suddenly recognizing his range and depth of emotion that would later help Hank’s transition from comedy to drama, culminating in his Oscar-winning performances in “Philadelphia” and “Forrest Gump.” In “Philadelphia,” Hanks plays Andrew Beckett, a gay lawyer with AIDS who is fired from his job due to discrimination. Hanks’ portrayal of Andrew is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as he brings a level of humanity and dignity to a character who has been marginalized and mistreated.

Likewise, in “Forrest Gump,” Hanks plays the titular character, a simple-minded but good-hearted man who becomes an unwitting participant in some of the most significant events of the 20th century. While the film has its share of comedic moments, Hanks’ portrayal of Forrest is nuanced and complex, as he brings a sense of innocence and vulnerability to the character that makes him impossible to dislike.

In both “Philadelphia” and “Forrest Gump,” Hanks showcases the same level of emotional depth and vulnerability that he brought to his comedic performances in the 1980s. By building on the skills he honed in films like “Bachelor Party,” “Splash,” and “The ‘burbs,” Hanks was able to evolve as an actor and become one of the most respected and acclaimed performers of his generation.

OKAY WE GET IT, YOU LIKE OSCAR AWARDS
Tom Hanks’ 1980s comedy movies not only helped to propel him into stardom but also served as a foundation for his future dramatic success. By showcasing his range as an actor and his ability to combine humor with vulnerability, Hanks established himself as a performer who could make audiences laugh, cry, and everything in between. From “Bachelor Party” to “Forrest Gump,” Hanks has consistently demonstrated that he is one of the most talented actors of his generation, and his contributions to both comedy and drama are nothing short of legendary.

RETURN TO US 1980’s KING
We miss the comedic Tom who now brings his sense of heart and sweetness to all his current roles post 1980’s. It was almost as if he said to the comedic community “you are no longer my friend, I have outgrown you.” Can we get the 1980’s Tom Hanks back for another run at raunchy, useless comedy movies? Please?