Johnny Dangerously

This spoof of the 1930s and '40s crime stories ranges from the ridiculous to the sublime as it tells the story of Johnny Dangerously (Byron Thames as the young Johnny, Michael Keaton as the older), a devoted son to his ailing mother (Maureen Stapleton), so ill that she needs money for several ...more

Following up her surprise hit debut Fast Times at Ridgemont High, director Amy Heckerling does her best Jim Abrahams-Jerry Zucker imitation with the gag-heavy Johnny Dangerously. The first gangster send-up in the new golden era of parodies, the film floats along on spitfire performances from Michael Keaton, Marilu Henner, and Joe Piscopo, as well as a high-energy period soundtrack. It has more than its share of misses, but the hits are memorable and quote-worthy. Says Piscopo's Vermin, "You ...more