Homeboy

Though there certainly are enough fight scenes to call this a boxing film, it is more of a slowly evolving study of some interesting, but loser-type characters. Do not expect "Rocky" and you just might enjoy "Homeboy". Eric Clapton's music adds immeasurably, and the acting is solid. Christopher Walken and Mickey Rourke carry the movie. The love interest, Debra Feuer, is quite unremarkable. I liked it, some may think it is too slow moving, but that is sometimes a price worth paying, for strong character development. There is a message here to believe in yourself, no matter what the odds against you. Recommended. - MERK

Johnny Walker (Mickey Rourke) is a struggling boxer at the end of his road. He gets a surprise win and is befriended by sleazy promoter Wesley Pendergrass (Christopher Walken). He falls for Ruby, the owner of a struggling seaside carnival.

Rourke is doing a forerunner to a much better film 20 years later. It's essentially the same character and the same performance. The girlfriend is rather bland and the actress isn't doing much. As for Walken, he deserves better. He needs more screen time and his character is doing weird things for no reason. I knew he was in trouble when he starts singing and the ending is doing another weird thing. He's wasted in this. Rourke would get his reward later but in this, he shows the potential.

Homeboy is a haunting and outstanding drama. Micket Rourke turns in an amazing performance as Johnny Walker and Christopher Walken's role is memorable. The film's soundtrack is excellent. The plot revolves around Johnny Walker, a down and out, aged boxer who falls for a girl and has hopes of making it big. Johnny meets Walken's character who trys to get Walker into some bad things. The film is depressing and hopeful. It is very sad at parts but the film really is amazing. You must read under the surface of things. A must see for Rourke fans!!! The acting is excellent but I feel the film could have been better if there was more emphasis on things.

Mickey Rourke is a boxer who winds up in Asbury Park, New Jersey. He begins a relationship with Debra Feuer (Rourke real-life wife at the time) who owns a run-down amusement park, as well as a friendship with Christopher Walken, a bad lounge singer whose real job is robbery.

Miss Feuer's park is on its last legs, Walken plans a big job by robbing some Chasidic jewelers, and Rourke takes a big fight, not knowing he has a brain problem that can kill him if he's hit in the temple.

It's Michael Seresin's only movie as director. He took the opportunity to have DP Gale Tattersall shoot in the night-time rain. Visually a feast, excellent performances, this story about losers whose dreams are too big for them kept my attention all the way through.

Homeboy is a fantastic film. Not only is it one of my favourite boxing films, it is also one of my favourite films in general. It is about Johnny Walker, a down-and out boxer who has just recently moved into a sea-side resort. Upon arriving, he falls in love with Ruby, a carnival owner who shares a lot in common with Johnny, who it appears Johnny is fighting for.

Johnny, who is played by Mickey Rourke, also befriends Wesley Pendergrass (Christopher Walken). Wesley and Johnny form a strong friendship, and it's Rourke's idolisation of Wesley that intriges me. Wesley wants to use Johnny, and half-way through the film he asks Johnny for a favour. Johnny has to choose between the love of Ruby (Debra Feuer)or the friendship of Wesley.

Rourke and Walken give excellent performances and Debra Feur gives quite an exceptional performances as well. The music, by Eric Clapton, provides the film with deep emotion.

People have slated this film and I really cannot see why. I give this film 10/10.