Directed by:
Garry MarshallScreenplay:
Terrence McNallyCinematography:
Dante SpinottiCast:
Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Hector Elizondo, Nathan Lane, Kate Nelligan, Jane Morris, Greg Lewis, Al Fann, Glenn Plummer, Harvey Miller, Diana Kent, Dey Young (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
Two down-on-their-luck New Yorkers meet at a Greek diner in Manhattan. She's a waitress with a painful past, too hurt to fall in love again; he's a divorced ex-con with a talent for cooking and a big heart, looking for a second chance. While serving an 18-month sentence on a forgery charge, Johnny (Al Pacino) discovers the joys of cooking and classical literature. Upon his release, he is hired by gruff but good-hearted New York diner owner Nick (Hector Elizondo). Also working for Nick is a waitress named Frankie (Michelle Pfeiffer). When Johnny expresses interest in Frankie, she keeps him at arm's length, her mistrust of men stemming from an unmentioned but obviously traumatic experience in her past. Eventually, however, Frankie and Johnny do get together, their curious relationship setting the stage for a dramatic denouement wherein both lovers bare their souls. (Cinemax)
(more)Reviews (5)
A wonderful love story that caresses the soul, makes you laugh and moves you, and an acting masterclass by Pacino and Pfeiffer.
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A film romance that relies on the names of two big actors in the lead roles. Michelle Pfeiffer and Al Pacino deliver their decent (above average) standard, but they cannot elevate the project to sky-high heights on their own. In the first half, where the Greek restaurant setting and the vibrant characters of the employees and guests come to life, the film maintains a level of weaker 4 stars. In the second half, where the film shifts to a more intimate tone and the central duo starts to deal with their feelings, instead of escalating, the film starts to lose its momentum. The screenplay simply lacks the strength that it needs. Overall impression: 60%.
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A relatively mediocre romance that is lucky to have scored such legendary actors as Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer; those are the only ones bringing some pleasant mood into the movie. Everything else is kind of redundant. And the fact that it’s set in a Greek restaurant in New York is about as close to Greek cuisine as hamburger is to pita breed.
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Garry Marshall is extremely predictable in his films, but that also helps to get you into his films. These are romances that have substance. At least the older films. They are fun and interesting because they have good characters. This is confirmed not only by Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer but also by the classically good supporting characters, with Nathan Lane being my personal favorite.
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A charming response to Scarface. Where's My Fat Greek Wedding (a romcom that draws from the same environment) at? Sure, it's weighed down by the theatrical premise, but it's all the more thoughtful for it, the dialogue works better, and within the film's reality, it's possible to rise above time and the cramped space of Frankie's diner and apartment. The final montage is something perfectly uplifting and it gives order to the world and infinite hope for everyone. Michelle wears virtually no makeup and her charm is so disarming it's unbelievable. Pacino is basically just showing us the lovable face of Tony Montana, but even that's more than enough.
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