Frankie and Johnny

Movie review by Corrina Antrobus, Common Sense Media
Frankie and Johnny movie poster

Common Sense says

age 15+

Romantic comedy-drama has sex, language, obsessive behavior.

R 1991 118 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

No reviews yet.

Add your rating

Kids say

No reviews yet.

Add your rating

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Frankie and Johnny is a 1991 romantic comedy-drama with strong language and sexual content. Based on a play, the film stars Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer in the titular roles. Newly released from prison, Johnny takes up a chef job in a New York restaurant. There he tries to woo waitress Frankie. However, Frankie is guarded, later revealed to be partly due to a previous abusive relationship. Johnny's pursuit of her also borders on obsessive and creepy, turning up unannounced and making declarations of love. There are scenes of a sexual nature but no explicit nudity. The restaurant has a chaotic charm and plays stage for a banquet of diverse characters authentically representative of a vibrant New York. From a lecherous regular, to a man they save from an epileptic fit, the waitresses remain united. When one of them dies of old age they are the only ones at her funeral. Language includes "f--k," "s--t," "p---y," and more. Frankie's best friend is a gay man. Although he has some zingers, his character plays into certain stereotypes. There is drinking, in moderation, and some characters smoke.

Community Reviews

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

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

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate