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Rating:  -
Saw this film when it first came out and though it takes about an hour to get into its best moments, it proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Michelle Pfeiffer is a gifted actress. Pacino has never been more affable. For once, he doesn't take himself too seriously. And another plus is that these two stars had on-screen chemistry - a factor missing from Pfeiffer's pairings with Hollywood's leading men often, i.e. Robert Redford (UP CLOSE & PERSONAL)and recently Harrison Ford (WHAT LIES BENEATH.) The VHS I just bought is in lousy condition so tonite's much awaited viewing was "painful" for me. I hadn't seen the film since it was on the big screen about 10 yrs ago. It holds up well - it's completely character driven and though short on plot - it's believable. An added bonus was seeing my hometown - NYC looking good. This is clearly one of Garry Marshall's best directorial efforts - a small but good-to-the-last-drop flick. Final note on special features: seeing Nathan Lane begin what was to become a stellar career, as the gay-best-friend, for once-done well, in good taste, though. (Rupert Everett - take some notes here.) All in all well worth the 110 mins.
Rating: -
This movie means so much to me. The script, the acting, the directing-- it all comes together with a great story to offer up some really amazing moments. It captures the intrinsic quality of loneliness, the fear of being close to someone, the courage to be true to yourself. Al Pacino's character is almost creepy, and the elegant Michelle Pfeiffer is, believe it or not, downright dowdy. Even on the fifth viewing, I found myself feeling embarassed (alone in the room), my heart aching, and my idealism & hope returned to me.
For those of you who want a storyline: Al Pacino is an ex-con on his first post-prison employment. Michelle Pfeiffer is the main character, a waitress who catches his eye, and he persues her. But he's kind of creepy, and she has that post heartbreak love of being alone, so she rejects him. And so he persues her more, showing more of his creepy touchy-feely idealistic self, and a bunch of stuff happens, and they live happily ever after. It is a romantic drama, after all. Many funny moments, and an excellent cast-- early classic work for Nathan Lane in here as well.
Rating:  -
1991's Frankie and Johnny is not a sugary sweet formula romantic comedy. Unfortunately it is not a particularly realistic or believable slice of life romantic drama either. How could it be with stars like Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer directed by Garry Marshall?
Many will like the film quite a bit because there are some scenes that work and the stars are either much better than you expect (Pfeiffer) or simply exude the charm and charisma you want from them (Pacino). The supporting characters seem to be from another film or t.v. sit-com and all of it is 100 percent predictable, but the film is not difficult at all to sit through.
Part of the blame is director Garry Marshall who worked so long in television (Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley) he probably really believes he could pull this off as a feature film. He doesn't let the film become overly up beat and sickeningly sweet, but he refuses to ever put any real doubt in our minds that it won't have a happy ending either. Marshall just can't help
dousing everything with an un-real fairy dust...like in 'A Pretty Woman' or the recent 'Princess Diaries'. Those were supposed to be fantasy films however,Frankie and Johnny was originally something grittier and more realistic. It was originally a harder edged two-character stage play that starred Kathy Bates and F. Murray Abraham.
Al Pacino plays Johnny who's actually a really decent and nice guy even though he's just gotten out of prison. Johnny gets a job as a short cook at the same diner where Frankie works. Frankie refuses to open up, Johnny needs to love and be loved by someone desperately. Johnny decides that Frankie is the one he needs and it's destiny that has put them together like this. Johnny's infatuation with Frankie doesn't seem like a stretch at all....I mean she almost looks like Michelle Pfeiffer. Johnny comes across somewhat like a scary stalker as much as an obsessed lover. So despite everyone's best effort the entire film feels like a corny Hollywood romance. The film however is written to be the opposite of a cornball Hollywood romance. I hate to say that the biggest fault of the movie is the fact that Pfeiffer is too damned good looking to play the part... but it's the truth. I hate to say that because Pfeiffer is actually better in the film then Pacino is. Pacino falls back several times on the type of please the crowd surliness and schtick that the film is trying to convince us it's above. Pfeiffer on the other hand buries herself in playing her character so completely she almost makes us believe she has got to be a rather plain looking woman.
The DVD present the film very nicely but gives you no extras.
3 and a half stars.
Christopher Jarmick, is the author of The Glass Cocoon with Serena F. Holder a critically acclaimed, steamy suspense thriller.
Rating: -
al pocinos movies ,godfather 1 2 3
Rating: -
This is one of my favorite movies. Like other reviewers, I didn't see it until it went to TV. I caught it on WPIX one afternoon and have since rented it many times. Pacino and Pfeiffer are wonderful as the two protagonists, one who is out of just out of prison and looking for a better life and the other in a prison of her own making, disillusioned with her life and afraid to try again. The bedroom scene is sensual and sensitive without being graphic or predictable. Hector Elizondo, Kate Nelligan and Nathan Lane play their parts with panache and help create a wonderous world out of a seedy, rundown diner and neighborhood. If you're in the mood for a romantic comedy-drama, this is the movie to see.
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