My Son Johnny
My Son Johnny

Movie spotlight

My Son Johnny

1991
Movie
90 min
English

Anthony Cortino lives with his mother in a quiet suburb. His father is dead, and his violent criminal brother is a long way off, in the city, and if Anthony has his way, that's where he will stay. However, Johnny runs into trouble with the police in the city, and when he asks to come home, his mother agrees, despite Anthony's objections. A reign of terror begins for Anthony then, for as long as Johnny is around, Anthony is never safe, and never has been.

Insights

IMDb5.9/10
Director: Paul SchneiderGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A concerned mother becomes suspicious of her son's increasingly erratic behavior and secretiveness, leading her to uncover a dangerous criminal enterprise he's involved in. As she delves deeper, she finds herself in grave danger, trying to save her son from himself and protect her family from the consequences of his actions.

Critical Reception

My Son Johnny received a mixed to negative reception upon its release. While some praised the performances, particularly Kate Jackson's portrayal of a desperate mother, many critics found the plot predictable and the thriller elements unconvincing. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with many viewing it as a standard made-for-television drama lacking originality.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film struggles with a formulaic plot that fails to build genuine suspense.

  • Kate Jackson's performance is a highlight, offering a compelling emotional core.

  • The thriller aspects are underdeveloped, detracting from the dramatic potential.

Google audience: Audience reviews are sparse, but those available generally reflect a sentiment that the movie is a watchable, if unremarkable, made-for-TV thriller. Some viewers found the subject matter engaging, while others were disappointed by the pacing and predictable twists.

Fun Fact

Although John Stamos plays the titular 'Johnny', he was already a well-established actor at the time, primarily known for his role in the sitcom 'Full House'.

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