Movies, Memories, and Musings

The 80s had some HIT movies, and some pretty great comedies. Do you like Weird Al music? He does the intro credits for Johnny Dangerously, sets the tone for an upbeat and fun movie about mob life in New York 1930. This comedy stars Michael Keaton as the plot follows him through a balancing act of family and crime. Grab some popcorn, soda, and buckle up for just 90 min of fun and excitement.

If you haven’t seen it, we meet Johnny as a child living in NY selling newspapers on the corner. He gets a scrap with another boy, and one the main mob bosses sees him. The mob boss offers Johnny a job just before Johnny finds out his Mom needs medical help, $49.95 (big bucks way back when). This is where Johnny’s life takes a turn, and comedic adventure ensues, including running into that boy from the beginning again in life. The characters do break the 4th wall a few times, once to warn about smoking which I thought was both well timed and well delivered with the background setting. Between short gun fights (no blood or death) the story of Johnny’s life and relationships is easy to follow. The paths of two brothers, their bond, and the love of a mother (aww how stereotypical) drives the story.

The mom is actually probably my favorite character, followed closely by the bird. She’s tough, loves her boys, and never ages once throughout the movie. In the beginning the mom is mainly at home, working on her never ending pile of laundry, ironing away at shirts. Later as the plot thickens, she goes out to help her boys! (reminds me a little of Hairspray where Edna is at home working for her laundry business and doesn’t leave the house until Tracy needs her help.) Both movies came out within a few years of each other, Hairspray in 1988 and Johnny Dangerously in 1984. Perhaps there was a bit of overlap in inspiration when Hairspray was written? Be interesting to know if there was.

The brother is a bit gullible, easily manipulated into returning to law school, then going against his brother without question only to suddenly stand with his brother like the flip of a page. I had a small issue with the girlfriends/wives being pawns while the boys played with the law. So were the times I supposed for women. Glad we have (mostly) gotten away from that stereotype. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in standing by your man (partner) so much as they equally stand by you.

I have been fascinated with this era for a long time, and wondered what life was like back when mobs ran the city. The men’s suits are gorgeous and well tailored. It seems more expensive now to get a matching three piece suit, cut to fit, in patterns more vivid or fun than just black, navy or gray. This style is now mainly seen on athletes or celebrities. Women’s dresses were more flashy, with silk or satin lining, and dazzling sequins. The hemlines dropped back down below the knee after the 20s, but the cut of fabric improved and tended toward hugging the curves more. All so well tailored and made to fit. The movie has excellent costuming, highlighting the vibrant colors and styles.

I give this movie ten sticks of gum in a cigarette case, four thrown news papers, and 3 breaks in the fourth wall.