On J List of Movie Reviews

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Johnny Handsome (1989)

Rate: 7
Viewed: 12/07

12/07: Is Johnny Handsome a mirror of Mickey Rourke's face?

At any rate, it starts off with a great premise and makes for an interesting film in the first half before succumbing to mediocrity and finishing on a poor note. Hence, the blame goes to Walter Hill.

Yet he elicits great performances from Morgan Freeman, Ellen Barkin, Lance Henriksen, and Forest Whitaker. Probably Ellen Barkin wins me over the most with her realistic portrayal of a trashy sidekick gal. Oppposite her, Mickey Rourke is okay but leaves a lot on the table. When his face is transformed, the way he reacted to it is a brilliant acting moment.

All in all, Johnny Handsome should've been a successful neo-noir, but it's been mostly performance-driven.

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