🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: James Foley
- Genre: Comedy, Music, Romance, Screwball Comedy
- Release year: 1987
- Runtime (length): 1h 32min
- IMDb rating: 4.8/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 23%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A lawyer’s meticulously planned wedding goes off the rails when he’s forced to babysit a recently released ex-con who may or may not have a key to a very big problem.
🍿 Who’s That Girl: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Nikki’s Parole and Loudon’s Task
Nikki Finn, fresh out of prison, is tasked with returning to Philadelphia as a condition of her parole. Meanwhile, uptight lawyer Loudon Trott is days away from marrying Wendy Worthington, the daughter of his wealthy boss, Simon Worthington. Loudon is instructed by Simon to ensure Nikki boards a bus to Philadelphia, complicating his already hectic wedding preparations.

A Chaotic Road Trip
Loudon’s task is further complicated when he must also transport a rare cougar as a favor for another client. Nikki’s free spirit clashes with Loudon’s rigid personality, leading to a series of mishaps and comical situations. She insists on various detours, including buying a gun and retrieving belongings, all while attracting the attention of police detectives.

Clearing Her Name
Nikki believes she was framed for a crime and enlists Loudon’s help to clear her name. They pursue leads, evade capture, and cause general mayhem throughout New York City. Along the way, Loudon finds himself increasingly drawn to Nikki’s infectious energy and starts questioning his impending marriage.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Nikki Finn (Madonna): A spunky parolee determined to clear her name after being unjustly jailed, turning a tax lawyer’s life upside down.
- Loudon Trott (Griffin Dunne): An uptight tax lawyer whose meticulously planned life is thrown into chaos when he’s tasked with escorting Nikki Finn.
- Wendy Worthington (Haviland Morris): Loudon’s shallow and self-absorbed fiancée, more concerned with her wedding than her fiancé’s well-being.
- Simon Worthington (John McMartin): Wendy’s wealthy father and Loudon’s boss, secretly a corrupt businessman who framed Nikki Finn.
- Montgomery Bell (John Mills): An eccentric millionaire with a penchant for exotic animals, who provides a haven for Nikki and Loudon.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Cabbie #1: “You marrying Wendy Worthington? I can’t see it. You’re not her type.” – A cab driver’s blunt assessment of Loudon’s impending marriage highlights the mismatch between him and his fiancée.
- Nikki Finn: “Didn’t rob nothin’, when you rob a store you stick up the cashier. We busted a few tapes, there’s a bit of a difference” – Nikki tries to justify stealing some music cassette tapes from a local Sam Goody record store
💰Box Office
- Budget: $17,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $7,305,209
- Worldwide Gross: $7,305,209
💥 Who’s That Girl Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I know this movie gets a lot of flak, but I have a soft spot for it! It’s pure 80s cheese, and I love it. Madonna is definitely over-the-top, but Griffin Dunne is hilarious as the uptight lawyer. The scene where they’re hiding in the dumpster and Murray the cougar shows up always cracks me up. It’s just a fun, silly movie that doesn’t take itself seriously.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of 80s comedies”
- “Madonna fans”
- “Viewers who enjoy screwball humor”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Suggestive themes”
- “Brief scenes of violence”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Who’s That Girl attempts screwball, but Madonna’s performance is often too broad, overshadowing the comedic talents of Griffin Dunne. The film offers some fleeting moments of humor, but ultimately fails to capture the charm of classic comedies.
- Roger Ebert: “While the soundtrack features catchy Madonna hits, Who’s That Girl struggles with a weak plot and inconsistent pacing. Dunne’s exasperated performance provides some laughs, but the film as a whole lacks the wit and sophistication of its comedic inspirations.
Audience Reactions
Some viewers found the 80s music and fashion nostalgic and enjoyable.: Many appreciate the film as a lighthearted and silly comedy despite its flaws.
Overall Consensus: Who’s That Girl is considered a flawed but occasionally funny screwball comedy, with a strong 80s soundtrack and nostalgic appeal.
Awards
- Golden Raspberry Awards (Worst Actress)- 1988
- Golden Raspberry Awards (Worst Original Song)- 1988
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The movie was originally titled “Slammer” until Madonna wrote the title song, which went to #1 on the Billboard chart and prompted the name change.”
- “The animated opening credits sequence, featuring the song “Causing a Commotion”, was a costly and ambitious undertaking for the time, showcasing Madonna’s influence on the project.”
🖥️ How to Watch Who’s That Girl?
Currently, ‘Who’s That Girl’ is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable or streaming options as availability may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Who’s That Girl, you might like these similar films:
- Bringing Up Baby (1938): A classic screwball comedy with a similar plot involving a free-spirited woman disrupting the life of a straight-laced man, and a misplaced exotic animal.
- Desperately Seeking Susan (1985): Also stars Madonna in a comedic role, capturing the 80s New York vibe and a quirky, light-hearted storyline.
- Party Girl (1995): Features a similar fish-out-of-water story of a somewhat ditzy woman from a priviledged background learning how to be more responsible.
🛒 Who’s That Girl Related Products
- Who’s That Girl? [VINYL]: Relive the 80s with the classic ‘Who’s That Girl’ soundtrack on vinyl. A perfect collector’s item for Madonna fans and vinyl enthusiasts.
- Madonna: The Immaculate Collection [BLU-RAY]: This Blu-ray compilation of Madonna’s music videos includes hits from the Who’s That Girl era. Enjoy remastered visuals and sound.
- 80s Retro Party Decorations: Throw an 80s themed party! Decorations include balloons, tablecloth, and photo props.
🎧 Soundtrack
Who’s That Girl features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Who’s That Girl” – performed by Madonna
- “Causing a Commotion” – performed by Madonna
- “The Look of Love” – performed by Madonna
- “Can’t Stop” – performed by Madonna
- “Turn Up the Radio” – performed by Farley Jackmaster Funk
- “Best Thing Ever” – performed by Scritti Politti
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Who’s That Girl’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming options.
The film follows a recently paroled woman, Nikki Finn, who enlists the help of a straight-laced lawyer, Loudon Trott, to clear her name. Their journey leads to comical mishaps and unexpected romance.
The main actors are Madonna, who plays Nikki Finn, and Griffin Dunne, who plays Loudon Trott. Haviland Morris plays Loudon’s fiancee, Wendy Worthington.
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