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.
Review of Jimmy Hollywood
Jimmy Hollywood
(1994)
Very underrated, Pesci at his best & one of Levinson's best !
27 January 2003