a GREAT FILM


more people should see it.

reply

I've seen it twice, several years apart, on VHS. I enjoyed it the first time and watched it the second because I wanted an offbeat refresher from the usual junk.

I shake my head at the movies from all eras that are shown on premium cable over and over, no matter how obscure or unworthy (I do defend the "one person's junk is another's art," as it applies to me, too). Other movies remain unshown. If I ever wrote a list, it could begin with "Mikey and Nicky."

Good character study (strike one--the plot is minimal but ominous). Early performance by Emmett Walsh as the bus driver in a hilarious, forced confrontation with Cassavettes mocking him to step outside so "we'll have at it." The inevitable ending.

Top-notch acting by two real life buddies who have each other's moves down pat. Gritty, whacky, realistic. And unappreciated without a trace.

reply

Just watched it and thought it was a quality film, very dark and moody. I think most people have or have had a friend like nicky.

reply

Jeeeez--I was rooting for the hit man. What a BORE. In fact, I wish he had murdered the director as well. Move over, "Plan 9 from Outer Space."

reply

I was rooting for the hitman too, but I was not bored and liked the film. Nicky deserved to be whacked.

--------
See a list of my favourite films here: http://www.flickchart.com/slackerinc

reply

[deleted]

I loved the interplay and dialogue of this movie although the film's story is certainly dark and depressing. Elaine May's writing is marvelous although perhaps some of the dialogue was improvised. But the scene with the black characters in the bar had a great punchline very reminiscent of Elaine May-type humor.

reply

the film was brilliant but May's directing left a lot to be desired, it was clearly Falk and Cassavetes carrying this whole movie on their backs. no wonder May fked up Ishtar

No Justice Just Us

reply

I agree. It's a shame May's insane over-direction ended up hurting what could have a much more 'well-known' film (and probably better film in general, although I still feel, overall, it's great).

------

Wait a minute... who am I here?

reply

[deleted]

If she was overdirecting, how come she didn't keep the boom mic out of the frame?

--------
See a list of my favourite films here: http://www.flickchart.com/slackerinc

reply

My #9 all-time movie

reply

just watched it again recently...still brilliant.

reply

A favorite of mine since it first came to cable in the early 80's. Cassavettes and Falk are brillint together; perhaps even more so than in Cassavettes' own films. ( Watch John's face during the scene in the bar when he first becomes certain of what Mikey is up to. ) The "fight" scene is priceless for it's comically inept realism. May's acerbic look at fear and chilhood resentment is one of the most insightful pieces of character writing, ever. One of the best movies ever - period.

reply

Cass and Falk both should have been nominated for Best Actor. Cassavetes is my Top #3 director all-time, but this is better than any of his (4 stars out of 4).

reply

This is a terrific character study about two very wayward souls. I loved every minute of it. 8/10 stars from me, but I may upgrade when I watch it again.

reply

Most tragic and funny movie... Cassavetes is marvelous, I liked Peter Falk too. Great writing, some funny lines.

"How come you're black?"

reply

Cool.

reply

Yasss, great script, some people are saying the direction was bad probably cos it was a woman, but she nailed it, could not believe a woman wrote the script, seemed like she knew more about straight males than any other filmmaker in history. a billion years better than Vertigo and other overrated films. (Except 12 angry men)

reply

Watched it today and it's great in my opinion

reply