Written and directed by Barry Levinson, this is a film with some amusing moments, but its pace is plodding and it feels too derivative.
Joe Pesci plays Jimmy Alto, a self-described actor who takes odd jobs and lives a life dedicated to the movies, celebrating stars like Cagney and Brando. Jimmy is similar to (My Cousin) Vinny in temperament and behavior. Christian Slater plays William, Jimmy's best friend, who is reserved and somewhat backward, presumably due to brain damage. William is similar to the role of Adam in "Untamed Heart". Both of those films, which came just before this production, were better vehicles. And they both starred Marisa Tomei.
Jimmy sees himself as a method actor, dedicated to his craft, but he can't land a part. That's similar to Dustin Hoffman's role in "Tootsie", which Barry Levinson is connected to by some uncredited writing. The similarity does not end there.
Jimmy's girlfriend is played by Victoria Abril. Her part is interesting, but rather small.
Levinson channels his love of cinema and its history, which makes for some interesting moments, especially if you share his passion. But the film never becomes more than a curiosity and its ending is anticlimactic.
Joe Pesci plays Jimmy Alto, a self-described actor who takes odd jobs and lives a life dedicated to the movies, celebrating stars like Cagney and Brando. Jimmy is similar to (My Cousin) Vinny in temperament and behavior. Christian Slater plays William, Jimmy's best friend, who is reserved and somewhat backward, presumably due to brain damage. William is similar to the role of Adam in "Untamed Heart". Both of those films, which came just before this production, were better vehicles. And they both starred Marisa Tomei.
Jimmy sees himself as a method actor, dedicated to his craft, but he can't land a part. That's similar to Dustin Hoffman's role in "Tootsie", which Barry Levinson is connected to by some uncredited writing. The similarity does not end there.
Jimmy's girlfriend is played by Victoria Abril. Her part is interesting, but rather small.
Levinson channels his love of cinema and its history, which makes for some interesting moments, especially if you share his passion. But the film never becomes more than a curiosity and its ending is anticlimactic.