Wise Guys (1986)

Wise Guys Poster

Harry Valentini and Moe Dickstein are both errand boys for the Mob. When they lose $250,000, they are set up to kill each other. But they run off to Atlantic City and comedy follows.

Film Introduction
"Wise Guys" is a 1986 black funny film directed by Brian De Palma and written by George Gallo and Norman Steinberg. The film stars well-known actors Danny DeVito, Joe Piscopo, Harvey Keitel, and Ray Sharkey and revolves around the life of 2 hapless, low-ranking mobsters in New Jersey.

Plot Synopsis
The movie presents Harry Valentini (Danny Devito) and Moe Dickstein (Joe Piscopo) as two partners for mob employer Bobby DiLeone (Dan Hedaya). They are good-natured however less-than-competent mobsters who live together and simply handle to get by with their low income. They are regularly relied on with jobs such as gathering bets and running minor errands for their employer, however when they wrongly lose $250,000 of the mob's cash at the horse races, their lives take a tragicomic turn.

With the rage of Bobby DiLeone on their heels, the two are handed an apparently impossible job as their penance and opportunity for redemption: They're purchased to eliminate each other. Instead of following through with the order, Harry and Moe choose to flee from New Jersey to Atlantic City.

Secret Plot Developments
This rather farcical chase kinds the foundation of the movie as Harry and Moe browse the criminal underworld, the FBI, and their own differences. Upon becoming aware of their stopped working assassination, Bobby sends his gunman after them, leading to a series of comical and thrilling encounters. The witty discussions and slapstick comedy linked with suspense components keep the audiences engaged throughout the movie.

The pair encounter numerous obstacles and sticky situations, which they navigate with a mixture of luck and wits. Along the way, they wind up fabricating their own deaths and wind up in Las Vegas, where they unintentionally bump into Frank 'The Fixer' Acavano (Capt Lou Albano), a feared enforcer for the mob.

Climax and Resolution
In the film's climax, Harry and Moe outsmart their boss and handle to turn Bobby and Frank against each other, causing both characters getting eliminated. They also succeed in fabricating their own deaths with the inadvertent aid of the FBI. They lastly escape to a tropical paradise with their stolen mob cash, apparently leaving their life of crime behind.

Accolades and Reception
"Wise Guys" received blended reviews. Critics applauded the comedic efficiencies from Danny DeVito and Joe Piscopo, along with De Palma's instructions. On the other hand, others criticized it for its farcical tone and rather for its chaotic plotline. However, throughout the years, the film has actually acquired a particular cult appeal and is considered as a wacky expedition of the gangster movie category. The motion picture likewise won the very best Actor (Danny DeVito) and Best Supporting Actor (Harvey Keitel) awards at the Valladolid International Film Festival in 1986.

In conclusion, "Wise Guys" offers an unique twist on the mob genre, mixing funny, suspense, and a lot of unanticipated rely on provide a charmingly unusual cinematic experience.

Top Cast

  • Danny DeVito (small)
    Danny DeVito
    Harry Valentini
  • Joe Piscopo (small)
    Joe Piscopo
    Moe Dickstein
  • Harvey Keitel (small)
    Harvey Keitel
    Bobby DiLea
  • Ray Sharkey (small)
    Ray Sharkey
    Marco
  • Dan Hedaya (small)
    Dan Hedaya
    Anthony Castelo
  • Louis Albano (small)
    Louis Albano
    Frank "The Fixer" Acavano
  • Julie Bovasso (small)
    Julie Bovasso
    Lil Dickstein
  • Patti LuPone (small)
    Patti LuPone
    Wanda Valentini
  • Antonia Rey (small)
    Antonia Rey
    Aunt Sadie
  • Mimi Cecchini
    Grandma Valentini
  • Matthew Kaye (small)
    Matthew Kaye
    Harry Jr.