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The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe

Play trailer Poster for The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe PG-13 1991 1h 46m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 4 Reviews 100% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Lily Tomlin reprises roles from her 1985 Broadway hit for this feature film version of her comedic one-woman show. She revives the 12 unique characters from the performance, including Trudy, a bag lady who advises extraterrestrials about life on earth; Brandy and Tina, two prostitutes; and Chrissy, an indefatigable aerobics instructor. From adolescent punk rocker to middle-aged farm wife, Tomlin uses a wide variety of different voices to convey a universal message.

Critics Reviews

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Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) After the first 30 minutes, I found it to be true torture. [Full review in Spanish] Aug 4, 2023 Full Review Nicole Thorpe Curve The film succeeds on many levels. The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe provides laughs aplenty, with Wagner's penchant for one-liners that convey social commentary. May 23, 2022 Full Review Quentin Crisp Christopher Street The film has been very cleverly devised. Apr 6, 2022 Full Review Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice An appealing screen adaptation of Lily Tomlin's one-woman show Jul 19, 2003 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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georgan g This movie is so full of interesting, funny, yet profound material, it needs to be watched more than once. There is a 2nd dvd with special effects which has both Lily and her wife, writer & collaborator, Jane Wagner, talking about each character & more. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member such a good f*****g film. lily tomlin is the OG lesbian jesus. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review Audience Member The transition from Tomlin's amazing one woman Broadway show is not without some problems, but John Bailey and Jane Wagner found some creative ideas that work most of the time. What really matters here is not just the witty and intelligent insights from Wagner's script but the artist who so magically communicates them. Lily Tomlin's performance is a force of comic nature. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Saw it a long time now but it was hilarious. Her characters are insightful and funny. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/24/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe

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Cast & Crew

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John Bailey

Director

Lily Tomlin

Actor
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The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe

The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe (1991) The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe (1991) The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe (1991) The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe (1991) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Lily Tomlin reprises roles from her 1985 Broadway hit for this feature film version of her comedic one-woman show. She revives the 12 unique characters from the performance, including Trudy, a bag lady who advises extraterrestrials about life on earth; Brandy and Tina, two prostitutes; and Chrissy, an indefatigable aerobics instructor. From adolescent punk rocker to middle-aged farm wife, Tomlin uses a wide variety of different voices to convey a universal message.
Director
John Bailey
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (DVD)
Nov 8, 2005
Box Office (Gross USA)
$11.6K
Runtime
1h 46m