Ishtar is one of my favorite films. I know it was univerally panned when it came out, but I think that was more because people had such high expectations based on cast than because of any huge flaw in the film. This is a comedy - a ridiculous comedy about two innocents (Lyle Rogers and Chuck Clarke) with good hearts but little talent. Because they are so naive - basically with very little ability to detect deceit or sarcasm, they act as if everyone is being straight with them. And so, we get the classic comedy set-up: these innocents get caught up in the most complicated intrigue.

But what's really funny here is the interaction between Hoffman and Beatty. The singing is wonderfully bad, but it's done so in a way that is endearing rather than grating. These two are completely sincere in their writing and singing. They have no clue that they can hardly carry a tune, and that their lyrics range from the overly obscure to the cliched. And it's in that lack of knowledge that the real gently humor of this film lies. Had Beatty and Hoffman played this for big yucks, the film would have been cruel and unfunny. Instead, they are mild-mannered and totally devoted to becoming famous musicians.

Of all of their songs, I think my favorite, because it is SO true, is "Dangerous Business:"