"Little Italy" in New York: Charlie and his cousin Paulie aren't lucky job-wise. Charlie is cool, but Paulie's maroonic behavior constantly brings them in trouble. Then Paulie comes up with the idea to rob the safe of a small company. Together with a safe expert they go for it. However the $150,000 they get are hot: it belongs to the mob and was intended to corrupt the police. The mob only knows the name of the safe man, but they try very hard to find the rest of the gang, too… Charlie and his troublesome cousin Paulie decide to steal $150000 in order to back a "sure thing" race horse that Paulie has inside information on. The aftermath of the robbery gets them into serious trouble with the local Mafia boss and the corrupt New York City police department. This movie has more heart than "Mean Streets" or "Goodfellas" . Unfortunately, "The Pope of Greenwich Village" is often overlooked or forgotten. Mickey Rourke and Eric Roberts deliver career-best performances. The supporting cast, with the exception of Daryl Hannah, is near perfect. From Charlie and Paulie's check scams, and even when they progress to big time thieves, nothing can shake their loyalty. If you enjoy small time mob films, "The Pope of Greenwich Village" is well acted, with a great script. This two hour movie flies by leaving the viewer wishing for more. A great night's entertainment. Highly recommended. - MERK Rourke & Roberts pre-fame.<br/><br/>Charlie Moran (Rourke) seemed more like an Irish hood instead of an Italian. Rourke basically set a trend on the type of characters he plays. He's basically re-did this role again and again. And why not? He's great at it.<br/><br/>Eric Roberts is a chronic over actor. But unlike most, he can be so entertaining. Watching him chew the scenery here was the most fun. The whole "He should die, die, die…." scene after they get fired in the beginning is still a corker.<br/><br/>Daryl Hannah is not the best actress, but she seemed to thrive here as Charlie's straight girlfriend.<br/><br/>And kudos to Walsh, Young, McMillan (R.I.P), and the brilliant Geraldine Page (also R.I.P) for their roles. Page almost stole the film.<br/><br/>And I think Bedbug Eddie (Young) was based on the late NYC mafia leader Fat Tony Salerno. He also conducted most of his business in a no frills back room. He also didn't drink.<br/><br/>Good character study. There are some funny lines in The Pope of Greenwich Village. Once the eye knows the characters and the ear gets accustomed to the filthy (and somehow quaint) street slang, Rosenberg keeps the pace entertaining. [22 June 1984, p.D8]
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