Jimmy Hollywood

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.

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?

I admire Barry Levinson's work very much, he's done some great movies and when "Jimmy Hollywood" was airing in my TV, I thought, remembering a complete turkey which was "Bandits" (with Willis and Thornton, directed by Levinson) that this buddy-movie won't be better and I was totally, positively disappointed. Most simple is to say, that it's a one man-show by Joe Pesci, who simply IS Jimmy Alto, a "wanna-be" actor, who continuously looking for his chance in the film capitol of the World-Hollywood. The movie is funny, well-written, good-feeling, has great acting and... cameo of one of the biggest stars of today's cinema at the end. I was very surprised by Christian Slater's role, who always plays dynamic characters, and here it's a complete opposite performance. Also Victoria Abril, known from Almodovar movies, gives here very good acting as Pesci's fiancee. If you saw the poster to this movie, I can only tell that the movie is as COOL as Pesci and Slater cool-looking while sunbathing at the pool. I just can't imagine, how such great movie could earn only $3,6 mlns!!! That's a shame for american audience. I recommend it for everyone who searches for some intelligent entertainment and for all Joe Pesci fans.

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.