Review of Five Corners (1987) by Ross Y — 31 Jul 2007
Okay...first things first. Get rid of that stupid, inane, crappy cover of Jodie Foster, and put back the artwork with the algerbra teacher with the arrow in his back...and the penguin. In fact, in the film, Jodie's hair is short and is wearing something that matches the time period of the mid-1960's. Ouch...! Look at that Flixster rating...currently at 83 percent not interested. Betcha any change that that 83 percentile has zero idea what this film is about. That's a darn shame.
That's sad, really it is. Not that I'm entirely surprised. This gem was directed by Tony Bill, and written by John Patrick Shanley (yeah...the dude who wrote the Oscar winning 'Moonstruck' also from the 80's) ..so, one more time, I'm here to do the community service of the day. There are two main stories with interconnecting characters : one has Heinz (John Turturro) get out of jail and return to the old neighborhood. Heinz was arrested for assulting and raping Linda (Jodie Foster) who now works in a pet store. Upon learning his release, Linda and buddy James (Todd Graff) track down Harry Fitzgerald (Tim Robbons) the only guy who stood up to Heinz without getting a serious injury. However, it's been awhile, and Harry isn't the rough kid that they once knew; it is his goal to help with the civil rights movement.
The subplot involves two youths who are out of school for day due to the unexpected death of the math teacher, and go on a vandalizing spree...only to hook up with two young ladies and have some laughs riding elevators-on top of the elevators. (again, it's set in 1964).
The best part of this movie isn't the acting, as great as it is, but the outstanding script from Shanley.
The re-marketing as seen on the lame-o DVD cover art does this film a great disservice.
Classic scenes:
1) Heinz beats a penguin to death.
2) Harry meets with the civil rights workers [one of who is played by Eric LaSalle].
3)Heinz: "How much for the pie?".
Storeowner: "One Dollar".
Heinz dips his finger into the cream pie. Licks the tip of his finger.
Heinz: "How Much Is It Now?'.
Storeowner: "Now, it's nothing".
This review of Five Corners (1987) was written by Ross Y on 31 Jul 2007.
Five Corners has generally received mixed reviews.
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