The Pope of Greenwich Village

R

Released Jun 22, 1984

2h 0m

Drama

List

77%

30 Reviews

Tomatometer

74%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Cousins Paulie (Eric Roberts) and Charlie (Mickey Rourke) plan to rob a merchant in the New York City neighborhood that's home to the restaurant where they work. When their scheme results in the death of a police officer and draws the ire of the Mafia-linked businessman who was ripped off, Charlie's girlfriend (Daryl Hannah) bolts, and mob henchmen exact a brutal price from Paulie. With the mob threatening to kill them, the thieves must think fast if they intend to survive.

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Critics Consensus

Undisciplined direction and a clichéd story prevent The Pope of Greenwich Village from achieving greatness, but it's an entertaining showcase for its stars.

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Marc Z

There really is a lot to this one. A great nostalgia look at New York in the 1980's. Mickey Rourke is at his charming best as a down and out hustler looking to get ahead. Eric Roberts is also at his finest, short of Star 80, as the two-bit hood looking for a get rich quick scheme. Darryl Hannah is charming and lovely in this. The pressure of being out of work and a baby on the way leads to desperate measures. There are a number of great small parts from Sean Penn, Steve Buscemi, and Vincent Gallo. One of the great things about this one, aside from the strong script, the strong performances, the great Direction is the fact that NYC is a co-star in the film and she is great.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/04/23

Full Review

Jack O

I couldn't understand what The Pope of Greenwich Village is about when I first watched it and caught to my attention it has some occasional comedy with some mild humour to it. The story is complicated as it seems where two buddies don't know what to do when things get sour and worse. I wasn't a fan of this film even though it has it's moments like when Paulie has his thumb cut off and the locksmith robbery. Or the fact that people are going to be s£!ting themselves laughing when a cop s£!t his pants after Paulie puts some kind of laxatives in his drink. It's just your average 80's crime comedy gig.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

06/19/23

Full Review

James S

Mickey and the gang are fantastic in this. A real slice of 80's New York, they nailed it. Mickey was always a Hollywood outcast that still managed to land great roles and elevate films to iconic status. Really goes to show you how good of an actor he is. Better than 90% of famous actors today. They could learn a lot from guys like Eric Roberts and good kk' Mickey Roarke.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/01/23

Full Review

Diana P

I remember seeing this movie with my Grandpa in 1984. This was Mickey Rourke in his heyday. His acting in this was strong and understated. I take away a star and a half because I think the character of Paulie played by Eric Roberts was a tinge over the top. It was a bit cringe worthy during some of his scenes. Other than that a good NYC 1980s film and a fantastic small part by Geraldine Page as the mother of a crooked cop who dies. She plays the perfect Bronx Irish Catholic mom! Tough as nails!!!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/06/23

Full Review

Shioka O

I don't think it's terrible, but I bored after 10-15 min. Mickey Rourke is a good actor.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/22/22

Full Review

Audience Member

This is an awful movie. Roberts over acted and script is such a bullshit

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

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Stuart Rosenberg

Director

Eric Roberts

Paulie

Mickey Rourke

Charlie

Daryl Hannah

Diane

Geraldine Page

Mrs. Ritter

Kenneth McMillan

Barney

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Eleanor Ringel Cater

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The film's central concern... is all too familiar, and director Stuart Rosenberg can't figure out a way to freshen it up.

Oct 30, 2021

Full Review

Laurie Horn

Miami Herald

This is primarily a genre film for those fascinated with Sicilian blood. But something about it gives it tentacles.

Rated: 3/4

Oct 30, 2021

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

"Pope" is one of the best buddy films made in recent years.

Rated: 3.5/4

Oct 30, 2021

Full Review

Patrick Taggart

Austin American-Statesman

Gripping, funny-sad entertainment.

Oct 30, 2021

Full Review

Allan Ulrich

San Francisco Examiner

Director Stuart Rosenberg, who hasn't made a really memorable movie since "Cool Hand Luke" in 1967, apparently believes that screaming and gesticulating can cover a multitude of plot lapses, needless digressions and hazy strokes of characterization.

Oct 30, 2021

Full Review

Malcolm Johnson

Hartford Courant

Rosenberg... has a superb cast, and he has drawn mostly strong performances, though he sometimes seems too permissive.

Oct 30, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

Cousins Paulie (Eric Roberts) and Charlie (Mickey Rourke) plan to rob a merchant in the New York City neighborhood that's home to the restaurant where they work. When their scheme results in the death of a police officer and draws the ire of the Mafia-linked businessman who was ripped off, Charlie's girlfriend (Daryl Hannah) bolts, and mob henchmen exact a brutal price from Paulie. With the mob threatening to kill them, the thieves must think fast if they intend to survive.

Director: Stuart Rosenberg
Screenwriter: Vincent Patrick
Distributor: MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: United Artists
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 22, 1984, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 1, 2017
Runtime: 2h 0m