Watch Who's That Girl
- PG
- 1987
- 1 hr 32 min
-
4.8 (11,271)
Who's That Girl is a zany romantic comedy that hit screens in 1987, starring none other than pop superstar Madonna in the lead role. This madcap romp takes audiences on a wild ride through the streets of New York City, as two unlikely partners-in-crime team up to clear their names and solve an absurd crime. The film opens with Madonna's character, Nikki Finn, getting released from prison after serving a four-year sentence for a crime she didn't commit. Almost immediately, we see that this is not your typical protagonist: Nikki is loud, brash, and unapologetically herself. As she strides through the city streets, confidently belting out the film's title track, we can't help but root for her.
Enter Griffin Dunne's character, uptight lawyer Loudon Trott. When Nikki accidentally ends up in his car during a wild escape attempt, Loudon is roped into helping her clear her name and find the real culprit. The two embark on a series of hijinks as they try to evade the law and unravel the mystery.
Along the way, the odd couple encounters a colorful cast of characters, from a nosy neighbor (played to perfection by Haviland Morris) to a bumbling detective. As Nikki and Loudon's adventures escalate, so do the stakes â and the sexual tension between them. Will they be able to solve the crime and clear Nikki's name before it's too late? And will they fall for each other along the way?
One of the film's biggest strengths is its high-energy style, perfectly suited to Madonna's over-the-top persona. Director James Foley (Glengarry Glen Ross, House of Cards) brings a frenetic pace to the proceedings, with quick jumps in time, snappy editing, and plenty of off-the-wall moments. Whether Nikki is dancing on a table or Loudon is trying to wrangle her in, there's never a dull moment.
The film is also notable for its streetwise humor and diverse cast. In addition to Madonna's star turn, Who's That Girl features several actors of color in significant roles, including John McMartin as a wacky judge and Coati Mundi as Nikki's prophetic mentor. The film's New York City setting is used to great effect, with plenty of gritty backdrops and bustling cityscapes.
Of course, a film like Who's That Girl rises and falls on the strength of its stars, and both Madonna and Dunne deliver in spades. Madonna's performance as Nikki is a true tour-de-force, showcasing her unique blend of charisma, comedy, and raw sexuality. Though she'd already made a splash in the music world, this role helped cement her status as a cultural icon.
Dunne, for his part, is a perfect foil to Madonna's wild-child persona. His straight-laced lawyer provides a neat contrast to Nikki's free-wheeling spirit, and the chemistry between the two is palpable. As the film progresses, we see Loudon loosen up and embrace the craziness around him, making for a satisfying character arc.
All in all, Who's That Girl is an enjoyable romp that showcases Madonna's star power and comedic chops. While it may not be a classic of the genre, it's a fun time capsule of the late 80s, with a killer soundtrack and plenty of laughs. Whether you're a die-hard Madonna fan or just in the mood for a lighthearted comedy, this film is definitely worth a watch.
Who's That Girl is a 1987 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8 and a MetaScore of 27.