Watch The Pope of Greenwich Village For Free

The Worst Film Ever

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

I don't give tens. Just in case there is a better movie kicking around I haven't seen yet. Is The Pope a GREAT film? Probably not. But if you ever "banged around the Village for a dose of sanity" as Charlie says, you know how realistic this really is. People who live on the street...not homeless but on the street nonetheless...have a different code of ethics and loyalty that people who do, well do not. Paully and Charlie are Italian third cousins. But as Barnie the Clock guy says, that's like twin brothers in an Irish family. And this movie proves it.Roberts is a founding member of "Overactors Annonymous." But even in that context, he pulls off one of the greatest street guy performances I've ever seen. Charley is perhaps a bit more slick and intelligent, but he's still a street guy with a bit more responsibility. There is something magic to having no place to go. Banging around in the streets, shooting the breeze with Vinnie the Cheese Man and talking about Artificual Inspiration. (You gotta see it to know what I mean.) Two losers screw around with a psycho maniac. Maybe that's the plot. But trust me, it isn't the story.Great? I don't know. But a must see.

I was raised in New York. Those are my credentials and I say we got a winner of a movie on our hands here. Everything presented and discussed is a bulls eye bar none. The dialog, eating habits, dress, attitudes, cops, locations, high buildings, local goombahs, music, sports (stickball), mother of a cop, and on and on. That is why this movie fits like a comfortable glove to anyone watching it. It is so natural and real life. That is the secret. When I was a kid, looking for opportunities never stop and here we have a couple of guys looking for the same although sloppily. That is what draws you in. You know they are going to fail and that could be you. I mean you don't rob a place in your own neighborhood. Even dumb criminals know that. As far as the story and plot go, it is neat and doesn't waste time setting you up and pulling you in. The actors all take their parts and send them back with vigor on the the screen and into your memory quite effectively. Grab something to snack on to turn up the enjoyment meter although its running high and join those that have seen this movie several times over.

This movie has more heart than "Mean Streets" or "Goodfellas" . Unfortunately, "The Pope of Greenwich Village" is often overlooked or forgotten. Mickey Rourke and Eric Roberts deliver career-best performances. The supporting cast, with the exception of Daryl Hannah, is near perfect. From Charlie and Paulie's check scams, and even when they progress to big time thieves, nothing can shake their loyalty. If you enjoy small time mob films, "The Pope of Greenwich Village" is well acted, with a great script. This two hour movie flies by leaving the viewer wishing for more. A great night's entertainment. Highly recommended. - MERK

Mickey Rourke (he's Charlie) and Eric Roberts (he's Paulie) play a pair of poor Italian restaurant workers fired when the latter is caught stealing. Daryl Hanna is around to attract the lecherous glances. Geraldine Page and Kenneth McMillan are around to attract the awards conscious.Most obvious is the performance of Mr. Roberts - possibly, the movie fails because he puts more into his character than he puts into the key relationship with Mr. Rourke's character; for whatever reasons, Roberts steals the all the attention. Even when Rourke hysterically trashes his home, it's because of Roberts more than anything (in your mind's eye). Roberts adds some interesting bits to his character - the hair, the accent, the thing he does with his tongue ... he is quite memorable. But, the film's main character, if you had to pick one, is supposed to be Rourke. That character doesn't work, either. The Italian gang led by the "Bed Bug" makes it a "dangerous crime comedy" when it isn't a "serious buddy film".There is a story - a Roberts scheme to rob a safe peaks about mid-film; it is well done, and involves Ms. Page's winning performance of a cop's mother. Though exciting, you'll find little blood (even in a gruesome scene). An interesting, albeit failed, character study from director Stuart Rosenberg. ***** The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984) Stuart Rosenberg ~ Mickey Rourke, Eric Roberts, Geraldine Page