"The con is on."
A remake of the 1955 original of the same name, the updated version starring Robert De Niro and Sean Penn is a funny comedy of the late 80's that I am sure that no one watched. Growing up in a household in which my father ensured that he watched every De Niro movie ever made, this was obviously rented back in 1989 when it was first released.
The concept of this movie is quite comedic. Two convicts escape prison and are attempting to cross the border. When they are detained, they are mis-identified as two missing priests, who were traveling to join a local church.
The cast is full of recognizable names. Outside of Penn and De Niro, there are the likes of Demi Moore, Bruno Kirby, and a young John C. Reilly. Also, the production crew behind this film was actually top notch, as it was directed by Neil Jordan - famous for The Crying Game and Interview with the Vampire. It was also written by David Mamet, best known for his writing abilities on The Untouchables, Hoffa, Ronin, and Hannibal.
Overall, this movie has some funny scenes and does have a strong ensemble cast, but it falls flat in a lot of places. This movie is one of the first of many De Niro films in which he is poking fun at his tough guy persona in film and is playing a comedic role. There are probably more films like this now in his resume than serious ones. Also, Sean Penn is playing a real dope in this film - going back to his Fast Times at Ridgemont High days, but I like him better as a serious, dramatic actor.
This movie is a hidden gem amongst 80's comedies as many people did not watch this movie when it first came out in theatres or went to video, so it will also be tough to find to rent or purchase. However, if you are able to do so, you won't be overly disappointed as it does provide you with many laughs in the end.
Please note - was having trouble finding a trailer for this movie, so we'll have to settle for a scene from the film.
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