Prizzi’s Honor (1985)

A professional mafia hit man (Nicholson, The Postman Always Rings Twice) falls for an equally tenacious hit woman (Turner, Romancing the Stone), but past crimes against his family put her in a precarious standing.

Prizzi’s Honor is well-made but overrated in many ways, particularly in the performances of the stars. The sets and costumes are gorgeous, and the two leads are fun to watch even if there is little way or chemistry or believability in their words of love.

Director John Huston (Fat City, Key Largo) saves the picture by giving it the right tone in every scene, as it could have easily been bad had it been too hammy or too serious.  Probably not worthy of the Oscar-nomination it received, but still solid entertainment.

Qwipster’s rating: A-

MPAA Rated: R for violence, some sexuality, brief nudity, and language
Running Time: 130 min.

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Kathleen Turner, Anjelica Huston, Robert Loggia, William Hickey
Small role and cameo: Stanley Tucci
Director: John Huston
Screenplay: Richard Condon, Janet Roach (Based on Condon’s novel)