Review of Johnny Stecchino (1991) by Charlie P — 25 Oct 2016

I'm actually shocked at how low the critics scored it, but the audience score is the real barometer of this film's genius. Roberto may not be everyone's cup of tea, & I'll say this as someone who scored this 5 stars; it's by far my favourite film of his. I don't think anything of his, including Life is Beautiful, even comes close.

This film is pitch perfect. The writing is tight, the direction is lean & deft, & the performance is a tour de force. The film is sweet, side-splittingly hilarious, & so very Italian. But as Italian as it is, it's also perfectly universal in the same vein as a silent Chaplin or Keaton film.

Benigni was the heir to the throne of physical comedy, from those silent greats. And not in the same way Jerry Lewis was, which, in my opinion, was tragically goofy & unpalatable, in that 1960's sort of way. Lewis' work does not age, Roberto's ages perfectly.

I will make this one concession; it is a specific type of humour, & if it ain't yours, you just might not be on board. But if it's in your vein, it will be a treasured classic. For me, it's perfect, & certainly one of my top 10.