Mikey and Nicky (1976) is one of those wonderful mysteries that unravel using that clever storytelling device of starting the tale at the midpoint. We see Nicky (John Cassavetes) hiding out in a hotel room in the thrawls of a paranoid delirium and Mikey (Peter Faulk) trying to calm and help him in some way.
What ensues is a frantic zigzag across New York that takes place over the course of a single night. Each destination revealing aspects of their characters, their relationship with one another and the events that transpired to lead up to what we're seeing.
The thing that struck me most is how much of the screen Peter Faulk chews up. Some may criticize this character for being too much like Columbo or the Princess Bride grandfather. It's a fair observation; but the guy is just so damn mesmerizing. I could watch him all day.
If I was the nitpicking type I'd say a bit of a flaw is starting the third act a touch too soon. By far the most entertaining parts of the film are when the audience is engaged in trying to understand what's happening. Once everything is revealed it's a bit of an obvious race to an inevitable conclusion.
Watch it where you can find it.
8/10.
What ensues is a frantic zigzag across New York that takes place over the course of a single night. Each destination revealing aspects of their characters, their relationship with one another and the events that transpired to lead up to what we're seeing.
The thing that struck me most is how much of the screen Peter Faulk chews up. Some may criticize this character for being too much like Columbo or the Princess Bride grandfather. It's a fair observation; but the guy is just so damn mesmerizing. I could watch him all day.
If I was the nitpicking type I'd say a bit of a flaw is starting the third act a touch too soon. By far the most entertaining parts of the film are when the audience is engaged in trying to understand what's happening. Once everything is revealed it's a bit of an obvious race to an inevitable conclusion.
Watch it where you can find it.
8/10.