Ishtar

Year: 1987

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Budget: $55M

AdventureComedyMusical

Two musicians, a charming singer-songwriter and his cynical friend, embark on a journey through the Middle East, hoping for success. However, their simple quest quickly spirals into a complex web of international espionage. They become entangled with a mysterious and beautiful rebel, finding themselves pursued by the CIA and caught in a dangerous game of intrigue and adventure.

Ishtar (1987) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the restless heart of New York City, two eager song‑writers chase a wildly optimistic vision of stardom. Chuck Clarke is the charismatic frontman whose confidence borders on flamboyance, while Lyle Rogers supplies a cynical, world‑weary counterpoint that keeps their partnership grounded. Together they craft earnest melodies in cramped apartments and smoky clubs, dreaming that a single break could launch them into the legends they idolize. Their chemistry is a mixture of friendly rivalry and heartfelt support, each pushing the other to reach beyond their modest beginnings.

When a chance booking lures them far from the city’s neon glow, the duo finds themselves in the exotic, sun‑baked landscape of Morocco. The desert’s vastness and bustling markets introduce a world where music, politics, and mystery intertwine. Here they cross paths with Shirra Assel, a strikingly beautiful rebel whose motives are as enigmatic as the ancient sands around her. Her presence hints at deeper currents beneath the surface of their adventure, suggesting that the journey ahead will be anything but ordinary.

As Chuck and Lyle navigate unfamiliar customs and bewildering bureaucracy, they unwittingly become entangled in the covert machinations of the CIA. The film’s tone balances light‑hearted comedy with a subtly tense undercurrent, allowing the protagonists’ naïve enthusiasm to clash humorously with the seriousness of international intrigue. Their musical performances become unlikely covers for a larger, more surreal game of cat‑and‑mouse, where improvisation isn’t limited to song lyrics but extends to survival itself.

Amid the juxtaposition of bright‑witted banter and looming geopolitical drama, the story celebrates the bond between two friends who, despite their differing outlooks, share a single, unwavering belief in the power of a good tune. The movie invites viewers into a whirl of absurdity and wonder, where the desert horizon promises both danger and the possibility of an unforgettable encore.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:40

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Bumbling Farce Comedies like Ishtar

Stories where incompetence hilariously escalates into high-stakes chaos.If you liked the hilarious misadventures of the two musicians in Ishtar, you'll enjoy these movies. This collection features comedies where characters stumble into absurdly high-stakes plots, blending fish-out-of-water humor with a fast-paced, farcical chain of events. Discover more movies like Ishtar where simple goals spiral into chaotic, comedic capers.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow ordinary, often clueless, characters whose simple objectives are derailed by a series of escalating mistakes. They become entangled in complex plots—like espionage or crime—not through skill, but through sheer accident, leading to a fast-paced sequence of chases, narrow escapes, and satirical commentary on the genre they've stumbled into.

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These films are grouped by their shared core mechanic: the comedy of errors. They prioritize whimsical tone and light emotional weight over genuine tension, using fast pacing to fuel a farcical plot. The central appeal is the contrast between the characters' incompetence and the seriousness of the situation they've accidentally entered.

Satirical Buddy Adventures like Ishtar

Friends on a chaotic journey that pokes fun at serious genres.Looking for more movies like Ishtar that blend friendship, travel, and humor? This collection highlights comedic adventures featuring mismatched buddies on the road. These films combine a breezy, adventurous spirit with witty satire, often placing ordinary friends in extraordinary and ridiculous situations. Find your next favorite buddy comedy with a satirical edge.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a pair of friends—often a dreamer and a cynic—embarking on a journey that quickly goes off the rails. Their interpersonal dynamics drive the comedy as they navigate a satirical version of a genre plot (e.g., espionage, treasure hunting). The focus is less on the destination and more on the humorous mishaps and character banter along the way.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific blend: the core structure of a buddy road trip, a tone that is both adventurous and satirical, and a focus on witty dialogue and character chemistry. The experience is defined by the charming interplay between the leads and the lighthearted parody of a more serious genre.

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Ishtar Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Ishtar

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More About Ishtar

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