When struggling, out of work actor Michael Dorsey secretly adopts a female alter ego - Dorothy Michaels - in order to land a part in a daytime drama, he unwittingly becomes a feminist icon and ends up in a romantic pickle.
Tootsie restores the original meaning to the term 'situation comedy,' free of the pejorative associations that have accrued over the years because of the glut of awful ones on television.
– Vincent Canby,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
It turns out to be a touching love story, after all -- so touching that you may be surprised how moved you are at the conclusion of this comedy.
– Roger Ebert,
Chicago Sun-Times,
23 Oct 2004
fresh:
The tone is quick-witted and appealing, with some of the smartest dialogue this side of Billy Wilder...
– Geoff Andrew,
Time Out,
9 Feb 2006
fresh:
...there are several solid laughs and some excellent supporting performances.
– Dave Kehr,
Chicago Reader,
28 Jun 2007
fresh:
It is not just the best comedy of the year; it is popular art on the way to becoming cultural artifact.