Thursday, May 28, 2015

Movie Reviews #26 - The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984)

Plot: (from imdb.com) Charlie and his troublesome cousin Paulie decide to steal $150000 in order to back a "sure thing" race horse that Paulie has inside information on. The aftermath of the robbery gets them into serious trouble with the local Mafia boss and the corrupt New York City police department.

Review:
 
There was a time where Mickey Rourke was a bright young star. These days he’s more of a grumpy old dude who occasionally takes on interesting roles but in 1984 the future was his. In the Pope of Greenwich Village, he plays a small time mobster who likes to dress big and further his endeavors. His cousin played by Eric Roberts is kind of the screw up who’s always getting them both in trouble. Eventually they plan a heist that can lead them to retirement but things don’t go as planned and trouble ensues. 

            This movie has a strange tone. For the most part it’s played serious with the danger seeming real. But then later on you’ll have silly comedy bits, complete with zany music and sound effects. It takes you out of the moment and simply does not fit. When the movie is serious, the acting tends to go way over the top. When Rourke or Roberts get mad or stressed, they will yell and act out like nobody’s business. The characters also act like this is 1920s Little Italy. It’s the 80s, things have evolved and you can get a real job and move away, there isn’t a need for little capers anymore. The mobsters show up when they serve the plot and disappear when not needed. 

            Daryl Hanna is Rourke’s girlfriend and I found her fairly good in this. I haven’t been much of a fan of her in the past but here she’s the one character that makes any sense. When she slaps Mickey Rourke a few times you understand where she’s coming from. 

            This movie isn’t serious enough to be taken as a proper mob movie but I’m not sure what else it should be. It misses the mark and the overacting feels like they are trying too hard.

Score: 5/10

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