Private Benjamin (1980)

A 28 year old Jewish American princess (Goldie Hawn) is devastated when her husband (Albert Brooks) dies on their honeymoon night. Distraught, she is lured by an Army recruiter (Harry Dean Stanton) into joining the Army under the impression it is a "glamorous" life. She is in for a rude awakening. Directed by Howard Zieff (HOUSE CALLS), this comedy was among the biggest hits of the year (1980) and it holds up surprisingly well today. The reason isn't so much the screenplay or direction as Hawn's infectious Oscar nominated performance. It's hard to think of another actress who could have pulled it off. She's in almost every scene and carries the movie on her shoulders. It's a true testament (as if anyone needed it) to her comedic talents. A delightful comedic confection. With Eileen Brennan (also Oscar nominated), Armand Assante, Mary Kay Place, Robert Webber, Craig T. Nelson, Sam Wanamaker, Barbara Barrie, P.J. Soles and Gretchen Wyler.