Mad Dog and Glory

I just love Mad Dog And Glory. Catch David Caruso and Mike Starr in supporting roles while De Niro stars. What more could you ask for? OK. Bill Murray in a semi-serious role along with Uma Thurman. This movie relies a lot on the acting, but also has a great story.

A surprisingly strong script and solid acting performances saved what could have been a mediocre story involving cliché stock characters. As it turns out, the movie features a sensitive portrayal of a wanderlust cop, his wirey and scrappy colleague, an off-key loan shark, and a vulnerable girl. Each of the characters was subtly amusing and unique-- but not framed to be cartoonish. If the script had attempted to go in for more jokes, the movie would have suffered-- how many movies involve a disgruntled cop and a mob guy who sees a shrink? Too many... Many that often rely on overplayed cliché and slapstick to deliver. Or they go in for the melo-drama. Instead, the film just hopped along, taking the quirky story seriously, producing a film that is neither screamingly funny nor powerfully dramatic but instead small, light, and mildly interesting. Picture a just slightly-darker Mickey Blue Eyes, with a happier ending, a more interesting set of characters, and less humor.

De Niro in a fine comedy with Uman and Chevy. Need I say more? O.K. Apparently I do...Chevy cracks me up...De Niro and Uma have excellent chemistry...and Louie Prima is on the soundtrack. This movie will put you in a good mood if you've had a bad day.

There is no other title but Maddog and Glory which would suit this movie. Since Robert Deniro is my number one Actor, I may have a biased outlook on all the movies which have him in them. I will say though that even if Bobby wasn't in this movie...and although it wouldn't be quite the same, I would probably still say that this movie should be viewed.

I regard this film to be one of my favourites. While it has a very low key approach, the superb acting skills of all of the cast make this and touching and intriguing film to watch. Placing Robert De Niro in the role of cop instead of the gangster makes the film all the more interesting.