Kirpianuscus
It is easy to define it as a beautiful love story. but it is more. a form of support for reflection about people, solitude, need of the others, happiness. delicate and convincing. seductive. and moving. realistic. and almost a revelation. about the significance of small details. and about the way to be yoirself. using the second chance.
Framescourer
A light-touch - soft-touch - but by no means flippant romantic comedy between two middle-aged, working-class New Yorkers. Franky and Johnny also has the considerable clout of some great acting and proved chemistry. Surely this film secured its green light when Pacino and Pfeiffer agreed to come together eight years after their doomed romance in Scarface?Whatever its provenance it's a delight although, like many romcoms the drama fizzles out somewhat when the lovers finally come together. The drama of Franky and Johnny is in the seduction against a background of disappointment and failure. Al Pacino's Johnny is an ex-con; his job as a grill man in a diner might not be the last chance saloon but the table of options for his life has been seriously depleted. Frankie (Pfeiffer) is also heading for a permanent position on the shelf until Johnny gets a crush on her. Cue all sorts of easy-going shenanigans familiar from the likes of When Harry Met Sally and Pretty Woman (also directed by Marshall) and churned up with some super cameo interjections from Nathan Lane as the beard-in-proxy. A great date movie. 6/10
Michael_Elliott
Frankie and Johnny (1991) *** 1/2 (out of 4) Overly dramatic love story about a sad cook (Al Pacino) and a sad waitress (Michelle Pfeiffer) trying to get together. I could probably go on for paragraphs talking about all the negative things this film has to offers. There's no doubt this is a flawed film but at the same time these flaws just add to some joy due to the great performances by the two leads. This is certainly no where near Pacino's best performance but I might call it his most underrated and most fun. After two decades of hard, dramatic roles it just seems like Pacino is having the time of his life doing "fun" stuff compared to various roles that I've been rewatching this month. The film is sweet and touching, even though the director goes overboard with some of the stuff, and the laughs are great as well. Not a great film by any means but one of my favorites.
californianalex
I only bought the DVD of "Frankie and Johnny" recently, and already it is one of my ultimate favourite films. The story is heartwarming and totally believable, and the acting is superb. Michelle Pfeiffer is wonderful as Frankie, a waitress, who is done with dating. Al Pacino is great as Johnny, a chef who falls in love with Frankie. Both lead actors are superb in their parts, and the supporting cast are laugh out loud hilarious: Jane Morris is so funny as Nedda, a waitress, and Nathan Lane is so good as Frankie's best friend, Tim. He makes me want a friend like him! Also, the character: Frankie reminded me of myself. "Frankie and Johnny" made me laugh a lot, and it also made me cry when Frankie is sitting on her bed with Johnny, crying over not being able to have kids. "Frankie and Johnny" is an amazing film, with characters you can really relate to. Watch it and don't miss out!
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