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Hoffa (1992)

Rate: 6
Viewed: 3/14

Hoff
3/14: Jimmy Hoffa is famous for one thing: nobody knows where his dead body is.

That being said, I'm not sure why it matters. Anyway, let's get one thing out of the way: Jack Nicholson is excellent as Jimmy Hoffa, the corrupt Teamsters boss. He has immersed himself into the role and does everything as possible to be him. It's true that the real Jimmy Hoffa looked closer to Harvey Keitel, but Jack Nicholson has the upper hand in the acting department. Although Hoffa is good at times, it has big problems.

One is the constant presence of Danny DeVito. He robs too much screen time and takes away the much-needed character development from Jack Nicholson. His sympathetic Cocker Spaniel eyes are condescending. Is Danny DeVito trying to pretend he can bag beautiful women or has the sexual prowess? Most importantly, is Danny trying to pretend he's Hoffa? Or is he trying to be the next Joe Pesci? Or is he trying to get a role in a future Scorsese picture?

Two is the overly simplistic key events during Hoffa's time. I can't believe, as complicated as his deals were, the film would make them to be that simple. The riot scene is implausible to swallow as well.

Three is the movie doesn't explain Hoffa's importance very much. I don't feel I had learned much about him. Can it be that David Mamet didn't understand Hoffa, either? That's why most of the dialogue is filled with derogatory references to the neanderthal regions or ethnic groups. Even more so, why is there a movie about Jimmy Hoffa in the first place? Is he really that important of a figure to merit a biographical film? I just don't think so.

All in all, if you need a reason to watch Hoffa, it's for Jack Nicholson's performance.