wo C2 - Friday, July 13, 1984 - North Shore News Ge entertainment Viessing with the Mafia In Pope of Greenwich Village LIFE ON the streets of New York is tough but with a little help from the Italian connectian, director Stuart Rosenburg softens the cynical portrait of be- ing poor and on the way down in his film, The Pope of Greenwich Village. Dark horse humor rules the lives of cousins Charlie (Mickey Rourke) and Paulie (Eric Roberts), as they strive to dream their way to the top while maintaining the [talian- American sense of family, honor, and friendship. Fired from their jobs in a trendy village restaurant, the cousins face the reality of be- ing back on the streets with the dream of making it big by pulling one quick robbery. Aided by ex-con Barney (Kenneth McMillan) they in- dulge themselves in the fan- tasy of planning the job while walking their lhfelong beat along the same streets they played on as children. Rosen- burg’s often poignant picture of little Italy in New York is reinforced by some strong camera work capturing the colorful backdrop of side- walk cafes, local Mafia coffee clubs, and the crowded Streets teeming with a seem- ingly unending Italian family meeting and greeting one another. Charlie finds himself drawn further and further in- to the dreamy world of Paulie, as he loses his girl- friend, his job and his future but never his family honor. Mickey Rourke, although typecast as the strong silent type, Manages to convey the elder brother image, pulling Paulie out of scrap after scrap, and rationalizing the robbery as his chance to escape the streets and buy a new future with his) own restaurant. FINAL SUMMER All summer fabrics greatly reduced | OFF & MORE e cs.calicos, tor fabrics, . rics, aecora fashion fab gift items, SOMe Pp sesBigjane UPTO Fy By COLIN LAMONT Paulie, as the high-strong, Starry-eyed swaggering dreamer knows that he needs Charlie to survive on a day to day basis. Eric Roberts earns early applause in this film for his brilliant performance of the younger cousin. Success to his character is ‘‘knowing how to spend money’’ not how to make it The cousins finally pull the safe job aided by the aging Irish safecracker Barney, but are surprised by an under- cover cop, on his way to pick up the pay-off money the cousins are in the process of Stealing. The trio ends up with a cop corpse on their hands and $150,000 of local Mafia money. Bedbug Eddie, the small- time Don of the neighbor- hood soon puts his goons on the trail of Charlie and Paulie to recover his money. Eddie has the reputation of hacking up those who cross him and after learning of Paulie’s involvement, con- fronts him at the racetrack and separates him from his thumb. He also demands to know ‘‘who the other scum- bags are’’ that stole his mohey Paulie, confronted by the reality of a terrifying pain, gives them Barney's name in return for his life. The old ex-con, however, eludes both the goons and the police while warning Charlee that Paulie will give the game away. But once again, the E> Be Water Wise. Pay it Safe. Wien Drati, follow Chie rates arid learn HOT Oa ea aro Scr ODN ae nrerrgs | elder cousin ends up playing the Italian nursemaid to Paulie, nursing him back to health while tightening the noose around his own neck. But the final confrontation scene does indeed, make Charlie the Pope of Green- wich Village, as his character comes as close to being good as his role in life will ever allow it. Facing the reality that Paulie is forever hiding from, Charlie confronts and beats the odds. But in the end, he winds up back where he started, on the streets with his cousin. The Pope of Greenwich Village is now playing at the Capital 6 and Denman. B.C. SALMON Direct from our own boats at WHOLESALE PRICES! OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK! Dollarton Crab Shop 2817 Dollarton Hwy 929-8181 NOTICE ‘SPECIAL CHILD CARE SERVICES Parents interested in the services of a Teacher's Assistant. specialized in helping children with emo- tional and behavioural pro- blems please contact Angela Bell 980-1603 SKYLITE SALE 28 « PB $99 00 4 x 46 $1149 O00 CA SO FIT 9O OO} Mariner Fish 2035 Lonsdale Ave. 985-2585 CAPILANO GLASS BUILDERS WAREHOUSE 980 3735 * x atterns, DOOKS, 1480 Marine Dr., BUT make it fun! Think of those reasons you've given yourself... (31 New Spring Wardrobe. 1 Trip to Mexico. (1 Size 10 Wedding Dress {3 Tennis Lessons. (A Prettier Me. At DIET CENTER, we're here to help. Together, we'll see that you're ready and abie We know what it's like, we've been there ourselves. CALL TODAY for more details and a free, | introductory consultation.