MovieChat Forums > Johnny Be Good (1988) Discussion > Anthony Michael Hall is miscast as a foo...

Anthony Michael Hall is miscast as a football player

posted 12 years ago by jk_field
13 replies | jump to latest

I always thought so when I first saw the ad for this movie. Now that I've actually seen the movie, it's confirmed. I guess he wanted to shed his wimpy image by taking on this role after playing geeks in his earlier roles. He is much more suited for the geek/wimp roles and doesn't have what it takes to be playing some macho football player. He is not an attractive guy either which made it difficult to buy the scenes with him and Uma Thurman.

[–] CGSailor 12 years ago

That's YOUR opinion.

I joined the Navy to see the world, only to discover the world is 2/3 water!

[–] visual_sky 12 years ago

I thought the same thing BEFORE I watched it then I realised Anthony Michael Hall was really good as a star football player. The movie's clever in that it shows anybody can be a jock, not every NFL player looks the same you know. They come in all shapes and sizes.

The OP is probaly right in that he wanted to lose his stereotype image from movies like Weird Science and Breakfast Club. But you have to remember the director knew what he was doing and this is one of things that makes the movie stand out from the others which usually do cast, a boring, dull jock who can't really act.

I disagree about the chemistry between him and Urma Thurman, they bounced off each other really well and there probaly was a genuine spark there, she was really good in this.

[–] CGSailor 12 years ago

Him wanting to lose his geek stereotype is the only thing the OP got right.

Mainly I dislike his post because he has worded it as though his opinion is confirmed objective fact for everyone rather than his subjective belief.

I joined the Navy to see the world, only to discover the world is 2/3 water!

[–] visual_sky 12 years ago

I agree CGSailor, unfortunately jk fields opinion, even though is rather skewed, is probaly how the majority of the public/critics reacted to this movie or trailer back in 1988. It's a shame that some actor's get typecasted yet others break out of them like Keanue Reeves did from Bill and Ted. Clearly we can see above their prejudice and small mindedness. I mean it's 2012 now!

[–] nbreyfogle-1 12 years ago

It's many people's opinion, including mine. This film typically gets only one star in the film books, and I'd say it doesn't even deserve that. I'd give it negative #s of stars.

[–] CGSailor 12 years ago

Yes it is many people's opinion. What's your point?

My point is that the OP was expressing his subjective OPINION as though it was an objective FACT for everyone.

And yes, the film does typically get low ratings. That is not necessarily because Anthony Michael Hall is Miscast. It's because the film itself was poorly done.

Why did you even bother enough to respond? If the film is sooo negatively bad in your opinion, why are you even perusing the messageboard for it? Let me guess. you are a troll.

I joined the Navy to see the world, only to discover the world is 2/3 water!

[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]

[–] pva3232 9 years ago

Totally disagree.
He may have been miscast as a another position on the football team but for the 1980's that is what a highschool quarterback looked like.
And for having this role because he didn't want to be type cast is crap.
It's called growing up and diversifying his roles. Every child actor has to make that leap from adolescent to young adult on film. This was his transition. I thought he looked good. His personality made him sexy. I was junior in college when this came out and I thought it was just outside of the John Hughs era. Good intertaining movie for the 80's. Just like the movie "Just one of the Guys"

[–] R_Kane (15828) 3 years ago

I’m confused. What’s the difference between “not wanting to be typecast” and “wanting to diversify”? Really, explain that to me in a way that does not completely embarrass you.

[–] Juschill (779) 3 years ago

You’re aware that the above person posted his comment six years ago when IMDB message boards were still a thing, aren’t you?

Don’t wait for a response.

[–] llll2000 9 years ago

I wonder if the nerd from Revenge of the Nerds wasn't available lmao, he would have been a better choice.

[–] tyrexden 8 years ago

He's 6'2 in real life.... Maybe the miscasting was putting him in the nerdy roles.

[–] Bloodworth79 (5557) 5 years ago

Looks like Tom Brady