Jimmy Hollywood

Let me start by saying I was born in Hollywood, California and I have lived in Los Angeles all of my life thus far. In my childhood I would watch movies and hear about "Hollywood" in all its magic and glory and wonder, are we thinking about the same Hollywood? Are they SURE its the one I live in? Hollywood has always been home to me, but a home with a lot of putrescence and perversion. Yet in all its filth, and believe me it is FILTHY, I still love it...I love the movies and I believe that Hollywood was once magical, was once a place like no other. And sometimes if you block out the bothersome aspects of Hollywood, it still is. Jimmy Alto's and William's idealism in trying to make a difference in a city they love is something I immediately related to and deeply appreciated.

I love Christian Slater as William; he is such a strange but sweet character, so pleasantly lost, and Slater's portrayal is delightful.

For anyone who loves Hollywood, and movies in general, this film is a must.

I just watched this movie and was delighted with all the characters. Pesci was not his usual hyper-character(which he does well)but somewhat subdued. At the same time being pushed by his hope of getting "the role" that has always eluded him. Finally, he finds it in reality.The ending was great! I never even heard of this movie before. I am glad I caught it and would recommend it.It made me laugh and made me feel sad also. At the end it did remind me of "The King of Comedy." Maybe not as well written but it kept me watching and grinning as well as feeling a bit nostalgic for the old Hollywood. Especially when 'Jimmy' and "Lorraine" were at Errol Flynns old house as they danced to the sounds of urban chaos.

The film is now 16 years old; perhaps writing a review isn't important. Yet, because of the sincerity of Pesci's character, and the development of a purpose for his life, and his willingness to abide Christian Slater's "slow" character, we gain appreciation for Mr. Pesci personally. He does not falter in his faithfulness to his lady-friend, even though a younger Hawaiian lady comes his way and they get "liquored up" together. Anyone who has had items stolen and yet received no favorable police-work outcome will agree with the character's frustration over theft of the car stereo and decision to make public the facts of local crime. All the sideshow techniques by "Jerico" as they escalate demonstrates the insatiable progressive desire of the public for increase in excitement over just about anything. Pesci understood Hollywood, its deterioration, its aberration and yet he loves it still. He lost his Hollywood star count on Richard Widmark who, in some ways, is as serious a role portrayer as Mr. Pesci is here. The scene where the advertisement on the bus bench has been graffiti-ed is poignant, as is the concluding scene where the portable TV battery is running low, just as the prospects of the SOS is also about deflated. I don't advocate vigilantism, but the process of getting new police chiefs takes years, doesn't it?

This movie was, to me, a teen generally interested and amused by movies like "Bill & Ted" and "Waynes World", trying too hard. It's not the fault of the actors and actresses (Victoria Abril was adorable, I got attatched to her character), but more the writers. This was supposed to be a comedy/drama and it turned out to be more of a strained drama with Joe Pesci. His character was loud mouthed, and rude, but sometimes a good, loyal friend would poke through. Like when he interacted with William (Christian Slater), his spaced out friend suffering from head trauma and anxiety due to an accident we never really learn much about.

Christian Slater's performance kept me watching the movie - he was very passive in this, and was very unlike his usual roles. I really like his William. He played it very well - I almost forgot I was watching Christian Slater, which is a sign of good acting. I would see this movie if you were a die-hard Christian Slater fan, but otherwise, don't bother.

If you have ever lived in LA, you may have started to wonder what ever happened to the Hollywood of glamour, romance and dreams. This movie takes on that question, and with a dynamite duo of Joe Pesci and Victoria Abril doing the honors (Christian Slater is there too, but his part is that of a spaced-out guy, so he does not have too much to add). Its funny, visually interesting, the plot moves along at a good clip, and it has lots of nice small touches. I definitely think it is worth your while, if you have ever lived in LA, or visited Hollywood, or had that sinking feeling of driving through the intersection of Hollywood and Vine. Victoria Abril is terrific and Joe Pesci is relentless, and hilarious with his blond hair.