Big Business (1988)

"Big Business" (1988) delivers a classic fish-out-of-water story with a comedic twist. Taking place in the 1980s, the film revolves around two sets of identical twins, born decades prior in the same small-town hospital under chaotic circumstances. Due to a harried nurse's error, one twin from a wealthy New York couple is accidentally swapped with one from a poor, local family. Years later, the grown-up twins – Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin, each playing two drastically different personalities – find their lives colliding in a hilarious clash of cultures and mistaken identities as they converge on the same town. This sets the stage for a series of escalating comedic mishaps, fueled by physical comedy, witty banter, and the sheer absurdity of the situation. While not strictly directed by Jim Abrahams (he was a producer), "Big Business" deserves a place among the best Jim Abrahams movies because it wholeheartedly embraces the comedic sensibilities he helped pioneer. The film shares a DNA with Abrahams' earlier works, such as "Airplane!" and "Ruthless People," featuring broad, physical humor, rapid-fire jokes, and a gleeful willingness to push the boundaries of the ridiculous. The core comedic premise of mistaken identity and social satire, hallmarks of the Abrahams style, is brilliantly executed here, making it a standout in the late 80s comedy landscape. The film's success owes much to this comedic formula and the fantastic performances of Midler and Tomlin, solidifying its place as a worthy companion to Abrahams' signature brand of humor.