Director: Taylor Hackford
Starring: Ray Sharkey, Peter Gallagher, Tovah Feldshuh, Paul Land, Joe Pantoliano, Olympia Dukakis
Running Time: 117 minutes
Synopsis: In New York City of 1959, 27 year-old songwriter Vinnie Vacarri (Ray Sharkey) is still working as a waiter at his brother's restaurant. Finally admitting he does not have the looks for stardom, Vinnie decides to promote the career of his more charismatic friend Tommy (Paul Land), and secures the help of magazine editor Brenda (Tovah Feldshuh). Vinnie next spots the exceptionally good looks of busboy Guido (Peter Gallagher), and starts to mastermind another rise to the top.
What Works Well: Loosely based on the career of music promoter and producer Bob Marcucci, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the business of manufacturing stars. Vinnie Vacarri is restless, inventive, and savvy, but also hard-driving and not too sympathetic. Ray Sharkey's edgy performance electrifies the imperative to succeed through others in order to satisfy the gaping hole within. The Edward di Lorenzo script efficiently defines Vinnie's key influences, including his successful but distant father, and debut director Taylor Hackford packs plenty of not-bad teen pop music within the rich human drama.
What Does Not Work As Well: Perhaps consistent with the fogettaboutit Italian-American milieu, nuance is skipped and emotions are always close to the surface. Significant time is invested in Tommy and Guido's journeys and performances, but they are ultimately to the side of the core story and both their narrative arcs fade. The romance between Vinnie and Brenda is confined to superficialities.
Key Quote:
Vinnie (to Tommy): You know something? With the right handling, you can go all the way.
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