the audience applauded

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

Joe Pesci is one of the most underrated comedic actors in all of Hollywood. The reason is simple, Cousin Vinny aside, he's never really been able to have success on his own. Pesci is usually in huge movies, paired with other big stars, and his rave reviews fall under the supporting actor tag. Jimmy Hollywood is yet another example of Joe Pesci going out on his own and striking out big time, which is quite surprising, when you consider who the Director of the film was. Jimmy Alto (Pesci) is a failing actor in Hollywood, he's done everything he can to make a name for himself, but he never has. One night a down and depressed Jimmy finds that his car has been broken into and it's the last straw. Along with him best friend, William (Christian Slater), Jimmy decides he's going to make a name for himself by cleaning up the streets of L.A., but that doesn't go exactly as planned either. The film is Written/Directed by Barry Levinson, who is usually known for his originality, but in this case, he's got nothing more than a trailer trash rip off of The Green Hornet. The parallels are really uncanny and the originality just isn't there. Even if a film has been done before, if it's good, I can still somewhat enjoy it, but that's another glaring problem with this film, it's not even that funny! Where are Joe Pesci's legendary profanity filled tirades? Where are the classic Home Alone type slapstick moments? Jimmy Hollywood just kind of is what it is, and what it is, is slow, predictable, and done. As a fan of Joe Pesci, I had to see it, but you don't, trust me, you're not missing anything.

Director Barry Levinson would have done well to heed the old line that if you are going to go up to the bell, ring it. Levinson flirts many times with themes much larger than this small film, but he never stays with them.The vapidity of celebrity, the seedy death of Hollywood, even indications of the descent into madness all are brought up but are not followed through. And flashes of brilliance throughout the film are forgotten as the credits roll because of the cheap Hollywood ending.Levinson certainly had a capable cast. Joe Pesci, Victoria Abril (in a rare English-first roll), and an astonishingly effective performance by Christian Slater are wasted as this film runs from theme to theme but never focuses long enough to flesh out the thoughts. Even the comedy becomes sporadic in the latter half of the film.This is worth a rental just to see how a potentially good movie about Hollywood is damaged by its conventions.

I have never been to Hollywood California. But I have heard much of its demise. Jimmy Hollywood brilliantly shows not just the degeneration of a former golden town, but also provides a truly compelling performance as a mediocre, yet driven actor.The sad part about this movie, is that people nowadays are not patient. They want everything in one big dose. Jimmy is slow to deliver in that sense, the movie takes its time. Those willing to wait, are very lucky. And those who are unwilling, miss a truly enjoyable experience.See it. If you are perceptive and patient when it comes to movies. Otherwise, go see Titanic again.

Anyone not living in the immediate vicinity of our Mecca that is Hollywood, or knowing someone who does, may not recognize the appeal and ring of truth in "Jimmy Hollywood." How many actor friends living on borrowed ego (and credit cards) I see in this film; like Joe Pesce's character, we've shared those Hollywood streets of today and think how wonderful it would've been to walk among the early stars and the city THEY knew. It's enough to make anyone want to Save Our Streets...