JIMMY HOLLYWOOD

In the film JIMMY HOLLYWOOD, Jimmy Alto (Joe Pesci) is a down-on-his-luck actor who can recite minute, obscure facts about numerous faded stars of Hollywood. Jimmy and his sidekick, William (Christian Slater), amble along decaying Hollywood Boulevard as the film opens and recite the glorious cast of immortals from memory. Jimmy advertises his talents on a bench in Bel Air and goes to casting calls but fails to get parts. When a thief steals his car radio, Jimmy and William, with his camcorder, go after him and turn him in to the police department. They continue trying to free the streets of criminals and use the code name “Jericho” when they drop their victims off at the police station. The local news picks up the story as the police are hot on Jericho’s trail. The film has a surprise ending with Jimmy Alto seizing his big moment of glory.

Joe Pesci’s performance is the best part of JIMMY HOLLYWOOD and the most off-the-wall part he has done. Victoria Abril as Jimmy’s girlfriend, although not adequately used in the film, also turns in a credible performance, as does Christian Slater. The difficulties with JIMMY HOLLYWOOD can be attributed to a lack of direction. Director Barry Levinson can’t decide whether to make a character comedy or a tragic urban drama.