1. Midnight Run 1988,IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 95605, ID: 0095631 Photo by bfoliver.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Midnight Run’ brilliantly showcases De Niro’s comic timing, as he takes on the role of a former cop turned bounty hunter, delivering subtle humor that stems from character quirks and performances. This film is a must-watch for those who appreciate intelligent comedy and the depth of De Niro’s intriguing character.
2. Wag the Dog 1997,IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 89021, ID: 0120885 Photo by wiki.gallery, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Wag the Dog’ presents a sharp political satire where De Niro portrays a spin doctor attempting to divert attention from a presidential scandal, leaving viewers both laughing and pondering the uncomfortable truths reflected in the narrative. His commendable performance adds a rich layer of depth that enhances the film’s engaging storyline.
3. Mad Dog and Glory 1993,IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 22853, ID: 0107473 Photo by exotica.org.uk, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 In ‘Mad Dog and Glory’, De Niro plays a shy cop, a role that showcases his ability to transform himself physically. The film is a smart comedy, focusing on the quirks and personalities of its characters. De Niro’s performance is both original and refreshing, much like his role in ‘About My Father’.
4. The King of Comedy 1982,IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 120713, ID: 0085794 Photo by hancinema.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The King of Comedy, directed by Martin Scorsese, offers a painful yet compelling view of lonely, angry individuals. De Niro’s portrayal of Rupert Pupkin, a socially awkward man in his 30s with dreams of becoming a television star, is both hilarious and baffling, as the film uniquely shifts from a documentary style to traditional storytelling, making it a captivating experience.
5. We’re No Angels 1989,IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 24842, ID: 0098625 Photo by queerspacemagazine.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 We’re No Angels, featuring Robert De Niro and Sean Penn, is a comedy that unfortunately falls flat in most aspects. The film’s plot revolves around two convicts who escape from prison and end up in a small border town, where they are mistaken for priests. Despite its shortcomings, the film’s nuanced portrayal of family relationships and the performances of the cast make it worth a watch.
6. Hi, Mom! 1970,IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 5940, ID: 0065836 Photo by vimeocdn.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Hi, Mom! stands out as a uniquely original film, with De Niro in the lead role of a man rehearsing an imaginary talk show in his mother’s basement, exploring themes of neurodivergence in a commendable light. His performance is wonderfully complex, managing to balance humor with deeper societal commentary.
7. Greetings 1968,IMDB Rating: 5.7, IMDB Votes: 4003, ID: 0063036 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Greetings, directed by Brian De Palma, is a string of episodes in the Laurel and Hardy tradition. The film features Robert De Niro and is filled with comic banter and slapstick. Despite its lack of a plot, the film’s attitude and general instinct for what is funny in our society make it an enjoyable watch.
8. Ezra 2023,IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 2346, ID: 20315818 Photo by i0.wp.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Ezra is a poignant film that accurately portrays autistic kids. The film revolves around a father, played by Robert De Niro, fiercely protecting his autistic son. Despite its mixed reviews, Ezra offers a charming and passionate understanding of raising a child on the autism spectrum.
9. The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight 1971,IMDB Rating: 4.8, IMDB Votes: 1607, ID: 0067124 Photo by austinrailnow.files.wordpress.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight attempts to deliver a comedic experience based on Jimmy Breslin’s novel but often stumbles with a heavy-handed direction and a somewhat unfocused plot. Despite its flaws, the film does have moments that resonate, making it historically relevant even if it doesn’t fully land as a comedic triumph.
10. Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Secrest 2011 2010,IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 36, ID: 1800681 Photo by live.staticflickr.comk, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Secrest 2011 is a popular annual New Year’s tradition. The show celebrates the year’s best in music and gives viewers a look at New Year’s celebrations from around the globe. However, specific reviews or detailed information about the 2011 show could not be found.
11. Born to Win (1971) 2014,IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 5692968 Photo by upload.wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Born to Win is a gritty crime thriller that awkwardly blends dark drama with quirky comedy, following a group of misfits united by their struggles with heroin addiction. While some strong performances shine through, the film’s vague script offers a bleak portrayal of New York City’s drug culture, leading some critics to find its gritty narrative surprisingly engaging.
12. The Wedding Party 1969,IMDB Rating: 4.7, IMDB Votes: 1573, ID: 0065198 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Wedding Party, a farcical creation by Brian De Palma and others, centers on a groom’s chaotic interactions with his fiancée’s relatives during wedding preparations. Though the film struggles with humor and suffers from flat direction, some viewers find a certain charm tucked away beneath its imperfections.
13. Amsterdam 2022,IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 95474, ID: 10304142 Photo by upload.wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Amsterdam features a star-studded cast but is often labeled a ‘hot mess’ due to its overstuffed narrative and lack of emotional depth. Critics argue it fails to deliver compelling visuals or relatable characters, yet some audiences appreciate its originality and refreshing approach to storytelling, creating a mixed reception.
14. Mistress 1992,IMDB Rating: 5.4, IMDB Votes: 2410, ID: 0104892 Photo by upload.wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Mistress (1992) is a comedy-drama film directed by Barry Primus, starring Robert De Niro. The film is about a Hollywood screenwriter and director named Marvin Landisman who is working on cheaply-made instructional videos when his years-old script is read by Jack Roth, a has-been producer. The film received mixed reviews, with some critics appreciating the sharp comic performances while others criticized the film’s predictability and lack of originality. As a movie lover who enjoys adventurous and creative films, I found Mistress to be a unique exploration of the struggles of a Hollywood screenwriter. Despite its predictability, the film offers an engaging narrative and a memorable performance by Robert De Niro.
15. Jennifer on My Mind 1971,IMDB Rating: 4.0, IMDB Votes: 492, ID: 0067266 Photo by upload.wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Jennifer on My Mind (1971) captures the fleeting romance between two wealthy young Americans in Venice, Italy, yet received mainly negative reviews, deemed an ‘enjoyable flop’ by critics. Despite acknowledging its flaws, I find it a fascinating exploration of young love intertwined with the dark allure of drug addiction, offering a unique lens on the complexities of its era.
16. Les cent et une nuits de Simon Cinéma 1995,IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 1925, ID: 0112654 Photo by upload.wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Les cent et une nuits de Simon Cinéma (1995) directed by Agnès Varda, celebrates a century of commercial cinema with a light-hearted touch, showcasing beloved films from various countries. While critics refer to it as a ‘factory of spoilers and Carambar jokes of the 7th art’, I see it as a delightful tribute to cinema’s rich history, offering an adventurous perspective that resonates with creative film lovers.
De Niro’s Cinematic Journey: A Blend of Humor, Heart, and Hilarity!
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