On W List of Movie Reviews

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Wise Guys (1986)

Rate: 7
Viewed: 7/17

7/17: In 1986, Nicholas Pileggi wrote a book called Wiseguy which was about three decades of life in the mafia.

It became Goodfellas in 1990 because Brian De Palma already took the name for a movie that's completely different although the genre is still the same.

A thorough Jersey picture that's headed by two New Jersey guys, Wise Guys was heavily panned when first theatrically released, but it isn't bad. In fact, the movie is funny, thanks to Danny DeVito. He's a gifted comedian with a great timing. Without him, the whole thing won't have worked. Danny DeVito was doing it all.

Joe Piscopo will always be associated with Wise Guys, and it's a fact that he can't avoid. The best line is when the two guys repeatedly yelled, "Thank you, Mr. Acavano!" One funny part is when they smashed up his car on purpose. Captain Lou Albano, the famous wrestler who's responsible for changing the sport, makes his debut, and he's perfect as Frank the Fixer. It's a forceful performance.

All in all, despite what the critics say, Wise Guys is a well-made mob spoof that offers plenty of laughs.

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