Soapdish

PG-13

Released May 31, 1991

1 hr. 37 min.

Comedy

List

74%

42 Reviews

Tomatometer

63%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Celeste Talbert (Sally Field) is the star of the long-running soap opera "The Sun Also Sets." With the show's ratings down, Celeste's ruthlessly ambitious co-star, Montana Moorehead (Cathy Moriarty), and the show's arrogant producer, David Seton Barnes (Robert Downey Jr.), plot to aggravate her into leaving the show by bringing back her old flame, Jeffrey Anderson (Kevin Kline), and hiring her beautiful young niece, Lori Craven (Elisabeth Shue).

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Critics Consensus

Soapdish may not be as addictive as the serialized dramas it's spoofing, but a talented cast helps make this affectionate sendup feel fresh.

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Jonathan L

So much personality, not gonna win any awards, but I really enjoyed this movie. It's not shot in a particularly interesting way, and the score is not Silvestri's best, but the casting was on POINT. Every character felt so naturally, and fit into the chaotic, corny nature of the film perfectly. Special note to the pairing of RDJ and Cathy Moriarty, they were hillarious. Also the plot was perfect for the Soap Opera theme. 80/100

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/13/24

Full Review

Jeff M

I have a complicated history with this film. When I first saw it upon its release, I didn't like it at all. Revisiting it a few years later, I did a total 180 and considered it one of my favorite recent comedies. And now many years later, I find myself stuck in the middle of my two previous opinions. I love the farcical nature of the film - there are some wonderful sight gags and some witty repartee between the characters. And Field has a field day (pun intended) with the Susan Lucci-like main character. While it may not technically be her most "important" performance, I feel like it's actually one of her best. However, several of the supporting performances come across very one-note and bordering on the shrill, particularly Cathy Moriarty. But it's still a definite recommendation! The scenes lampooning daytime drama are often spot-on, and the cast is having such a great time, it's hard not to get swept away.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/26/24

Full Review

ed w

Plug in anywhere, anytime & the cast (omg) & brilliant script willing have you laughing into tears..

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/12/23

Full Review

Carlos I

Cute little flick that lampoons daytime television. The irony is that it falls into the same tropes as its subject matter, by design I'm sure, but those convolutions make it feel more bloated than hilarious.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

Full Review

DX C

Wacky, witty, and quick – closest thing I can think of to the quip-laden movies of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Yes, this is a really silly movie, but it's also funny and lots of fun. Anyone who has ever gotten caught up watching a soap opera will enjoy this movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

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Michael Hoffman

Director

Sally Field

Celeste Talbert

Kevin Kline

Jeffrey Anderson

Robert Downey Jr.

David Seton Barnes

Cathy Moriarty

Montana Moorehead

Whoopi Goldberg

Rose Schwartz

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Soapdish: Official Clip - Ego-Maniac

1:58

Soapdish: Official Clip - America's Sweetheart

2:12

Soapdish: Official Clip - Teleprompter Trouble

1:36

Soapdish: Official Clip - When Can You Start?

1:51

Soapdish: Official Clip - One More Time

1:25

Soapdish: Official Clip - This is Soap Opera

2:08

Soapdish: Official Clip - Jeffrey Help Me!

1:58

Soapdish: Official Clip - Let's Do It

1:22

Soapdish: Official Clip - Script Changes

2:10

Soapdish: Official Clip - Death of a Salesman

1:52

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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: C-

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Soapdish aims at a satiric target as big as a Macy's float and intermittently hits it.

Feb 27, 2008

Full Review

Empire Magazine

Not as funny as the real thing and unlikely to be anywhere near as successful as the leading real-life exponents of the art.

Rated: 2/5

Feb 27, 2008

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

everything is forgivable in the end. [Full review in Spanish]

Dec 8, 2022

Full Review

Andrew Galdi

Movie Bitches

A truly outstanding ensemble cast

Aug 4, 2022

Full Review

Avaryl Halley

Movie Bitches

It's 98% perfect til the last 5 minutes

Aug 4, 2022

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

Celeste Talbert (Sally Field) is the star of the long-running soap opera "The Sun Also Sets." With the show's ratings down, Celeste's ruthlessly ambitious co-star, Montana Moorehead (Cathy Moriarty), and the show's arrogant producer, David Seton Barnes (Robert Downey Jr.), plot to aggravate her into leaving the show by bringing back her old flame, Jeffrey Anderson (Kevin Kline), and hiring her beautiful young niece, Lori Craven (Elisabeth Shue).

Director: Michael Hoffman
Executive Producer: Herbert Ross
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 31, 1991, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $33.9M
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

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