Common Sense Media Review
By Corrina Antrobus
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Romantic comedy-drama has sex, language, obsessive behavior.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Frankie and Johnny
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Fresh from prison and ready for reform, FRANKIE AND JOHNNY sees Johnny (Al Pacino) take up a job as a chef in a busy New York restaurant. There he meets waitress Frankie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and as a slow-build romance starts to unfurl, Johnny peels at the layers that keeps her so guarded.
Is It Any Good?
This 1991 romcom (with a clumsy sliver of drama) goes to great lengths to make its points. In other words, Frankie and Johnny could never be accused of being understated. Yes New York City is a melting pot bubbling with chaos, yes Frankie is habitually miserable, and yes Johnny is in love with her to the point of creepy obsession. A little less hamfisting would have made this a cosier watch, but hey, subtlety was never on the menu.
Directed by Garry Marshall of Pretty Woman and Beaches fame, it's perhaps unsurprising how sentimental and often goofy this movie is. But Pacino and Pfeiffer are A-class actors who do a professional job on a movie that you -- like Frankie -- have to let your guard down to love. An extra treat is the performance of Nathan Lane. Although a tired stereotype, his role as gay best friend Tim adds necessary zest, delivering genuinely funny and thoughtful lines.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Frankie and Johnny portrayed sex. Was it affectionate? Did you think Johnny came on too strong? Was Frankie reciprocal in her affections?
What did this movie have to say about relationships? How did Frankie's past relationship affect her? How important is communication and honesty when falling in love?
Talk about the strong language in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Talk about the character of Tim. How did you think he was represented? What was his main purpose in the movie? Did you get to know anything about his backstory and did that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 11, 1991
- On DVD or streaming : May 22, 2001
- Cast : Al Pacino , Michelle Pfeiffer , Kate Nelligan
- Director : Garry Marshall
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and sensuality.
- Award : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner
- Last updated : December 14, 2022
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