Ah, the yuppie era - a time when shoulder pads were as big as ambitions and Wall Street was the ultimate playground. This collection of films not only tickles your funny bone but also offers a satirical glimpse into the lives of the young, upwardly mobile professionals of the 1980s. From the excesses of wealth to the pitfalls of ambition, these comedies provide a humorous take on the yuppie lifestyle, making them a must-watch for anyone who loves a good laugh with a side of social commentary.
The Money Pit (1986)
Description: Tom Hanks and Shelley Long star as a couple who buy a dilapidated mansion, only to find themselves in a comedic nightmare of home repairs. It's a perfect encapsulation of the yuppie dream gone awry.
Fact: The film was originally written for Richard Pryor and Goldie Hawn. The house used for filming was actually built on a soundstage, allowing for controlled destruction.
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Ruthless People (1986)
Description: This dark comedy revolves around a kidnapping gone hilariously wrong, involving a yuppie couple and a series of miscommunications. It's a sharp satire on greed, ambition, and the yuppie lifestyle.
Fact: The film was based on a script by Dale Launer, who also wrote "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels." Bette Midler's character was originally written for Cher.
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Baby Boom (1987)
Description: Diane Keaton stars as a high-powered yuppie who inherits a baby, leading to a comedic clash between her career-driven life and the demands of motherhood. It's a charming exploration of the yuppie lifestyle and the unexpected turns life can take.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of Nancy Meyers, who co-wrote the screenplay. The baby in the film, Kristina Kennedy, was chosen from over 600 infants auditioned.
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The Secret of My Success (1987)
Description: This film follows a naive young man from Kansas who moves to New York City to make it big, only to find himself in a comical series of misadventures as he tries to climb the corporate ladder. It's the quintessential yuppie comedy with a heart.
Fact: Michael J. Fox plays both the lead character and his cousin, showcasing his versatility. The film was originally titled "The Secret of My Succe$s" with a dollar sign in the title.
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Wall Street (1987)
Description: While not strictly a comedy, this Oliver Stone classic has its share of darkly humorous moments as it explores the world of high finance and the yuppie ethos. The infamous "Greed is good" speech by Gordon Gekko is both a satire and a reflection of the era.
Fact: The film's script was inspired by real-life Wall Street figures like Ivan Boesky. Michael Douglas won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Gordon Gekko.
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Big Business (1988)
Description: This comedy of errors features Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin as two sets of identical twins separated at birth, leading to a hilarious mix-up in New York City's corporate world. It's a light-hearted look at the yuppie lifestyle and mistaken identity.
Fact: The film was originally conceived as a vehicle for Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase, but they dropped out, leading to the casting of Midler and Tomlin.
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Working Girl (1988)
Description: Melanie Griffith stars as Tess McGill, a savvy secretary with dreams of becoming an executive. When her boss steals her idea, Tess takes matters into her own hands, leading to a series of hilarious and empowering moments. It's a comedy about ambition, identity, and the yuppie culture.
Fact: The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The iconic Statue of Liberty scene was shot on a barge in New York Harbor.
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The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990)
Description: While not a comedy in the traditional sense, this film adaptation of Tom Wolfe's novel has its share of darkly funny moments as it satirizes the yuppie culture, media frenzy, and racial tensions in New York City.
Fact: The film was a notorious box office bomb, despite its all-star cast. It was originally intended for Alan Alda to direct, but he was replaced by Brian De Palma.
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The Couch Trip (1988)
Description: Dan Aykroyd plays a con artist who impersonates a psychiatrist, leading to a series of comedic misadventures in the world of yuppie therapy. It's a light-hearted take on the yuppie obsession with self-improvement.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Ken Kolb. Walter Matthau was originally cast as the psychiatrist but was replaced by Charles Grodin due to health issues.
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The Appointments of Dennis Jennings (1988)
Description: This short film features a yuppie psychiatrist whose life spirals into chaos, offering a comedic look at the pressures of the yuppie lifestyle. It's a quirky addition to the genre.
Fact: The film was directed by Roger Vadim, known for his work with Brigitte Bardot. It was part of HBO's "Tales from the Crypt" series.
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