Oscar (1991)

13% of critics liked it
(16 reviews)
56% of users liked it
(20,305 ratings)

Sylvester Stallone gives comedy another try in this farce set in the 1930s. Angelo "Snaps" Provelone (Stallone) is the wealthy and powerful head of the Chicago mob, but his ailing father (Kirk Douglas) doesn't approve of his life in crime, and on his deathbed, Dad makes Snaps promise to go straight.… More Sylvester Stallone gives comedy another try in this farce set in the 1930s. Angelo "Snaps" Provelone (Stallone) is the wealthy and powerful head of the Chicago mob, but his ailing father (Kirk Douglas) doesn't approve of his life in crime, and on his deathbed, Dad makes Snaps promise to go straight. Determined to honor his late father's wishes, Snaps decides to go into banking -- just as his life has fallen into chaos. Anthony Russano (Vincent Spano) informs Snaps that he's hijacked $50,000 of his money and wants to marry his daughter. Snaps discovers that his daughter Lisa (Marisa Tomei) is actually involved with the chauffeur, Oscar (Jim Mulholland), but Anthony's girlfriend Theresa (Elizabeth Barondes) has convinced her beau that Snaps is her father. Snaps hopes to use this misunderstanding as a way of getting his money back, but in the meantime, he has to deal with a wary banking board, rival mob boss Vendetti (Richard Romanus), prissy elocution coach Thornton (Tim Curry), and Snaps' one-time girlfriend Roxanne (Linda Gray). Oscar's stellar supporting cast includes Don Ameche, Chazz Palminteri, Harry Shearer, Eddie Bracken, Yvonne DeCarlo, and Bruce Davison. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 49 min.
Directed By: John Landis
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 26, 1991 Wide
On DVD: May 6, 2003

Critic Reviews

Martin Scribbs, Low IQ Canadian
When you're looking to remake French cinema, the name 'Stallone' leaps immediately to mind. As in, 'for God's sake, don't cast Sylvester Stallone!'
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Bad idea badly executed.
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum
This is why Stallone gave up on comedy.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Only occasionally flirts with the breathless lunacy of well-conceived farce - and there are huge, painful gaps in between the few worthwhile gags.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
The charm of this film lay in the talents of the supporting characters.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Lucas M

At least is better that Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot.......
danny d

pretty entertaining actually
Tim S

People tend to run this down, for good reason, but I always found it kind of charming - even if it isn't perfect.
Martin S

Hey...he's the Italian Stallion. The movie started out relly boring...but then the plot started getting complicated...and that was fun...the movie has a couple of fun jokes but it barey qualifies as a comedy...still fun though
Ginny

Re-rated from 4 to 4 1/2 <center>"I got it! You daughter's not your daughter, and the cash that used to be the jewels is now your underwear!"- Connie (Chazz… More
Re-rated from 4 to 4 1/2 <center>"I got it! You daughter's not your daughter, and the cash that used to be the jewels is now your underwear!"- Connie (Chazz Palminteri)<img src="http://content9.flixster.com/photo/11/48/75/11487563_gal.jpg" width=200> </center> This is one of circa 90s highly underrated comedy films. An american remake of the original 1967 french movie. A day of a life of an "ex" mobster boss. New York City - 1930s. Angelo "Snaps" Provolone promises that he would do anything to make his father "die a happy man". --- On the day that Snaps goes legit, the cops are alerted that something big is going on. Snaps, who is "no longer Snaps" learns that his accountant is stealing from him, his daughter is not his daughter, his housemaid is leaving, and everything else seems to have gone crazy on his very first day as a legit Banker! <center><img src="http://www.movieactors.com/freezeframes22/oscar264.jpeg" width=200> "Let's get started, I got until noon to look like a banker."</center> I consider Oscar to be one of Sylvester Stallone's best comedy acts in his entire movie career. This is also the movie where I first laid my eyes on Marissa Tomei, she really caught my attention in this movie with her portrayal of Lisa Provolone, her "brattiness and flirtyness" was just something I really liked as a kid. I've been a Marrisa Tomei fan ever since I saw her in this flick. Chazz Palmineri is just an added treat in this movie. Its always fun to watch him play a gangster anyway. Stylish, smart, clean and witty! I most espcially loved the constant play of words used in this movie. Its amazing for an old film to have such a timeless effect, the characters and jokes in this movie never fails to make me laugh! Highly Recommended! A fun movie for everyone! Director: John Landis
A.D. V

Probably the most guiltiest of pleasures. Other than the pre-credits scene (which had me worried this was going to suck as bad as 'Stop or My Mom Will Shoot') this stage-like film is consistently funny with likeable characters and a hilariously convoluted plot.
Curtis L

Silly early 90'sness.
Lafe F

A well-written comedy movie with Sylvester Stallone! It's a fun film.
Dean M

Sylvester Stallone's surprisingly good as the gangster trying to go straight, but despite the odd wonderful laugh, it's ultimately disappointing.
Marcus W

Although this film is well written, it feels like it wants to be a musical or a theatrical piece. As a film comedy, every single joke falls flat on it's face in the worst way possible. So much so that you start to wonder if it's actually trying to be unfunny. Can't… More
Although this film is well written, it feels like it wants to be a musical or a theatrical piece. As a film comedy, every single joke falls flat on it's face in the worst way possible. So much so that you start to wonder if it's actually trying to be unfunny. Can't believe this is from the director of Kentucky Fried Movie and Blues Brothers!
Lord N

it's not one of my favorite movies but i rather liked it. it doesn't take itself too seriously and that makes it funny. the acting isn't oscar winning (if you'll pardon the pun) but it is still good. yes it's predictable but it's still a funny movie.… More
it's not one of my favorite movies but i rather liked it. it doesn't take itself too seriously and that makes it funny. the acting isn't oscar winning (if you'll pardon the pun) but it is still good. yes it's predictable but it's still a funny movie. there is nothing wrong with it.
Barry L

Cheesy......but I watched it. Dont tell anyone pleeeeease! LOL.
Leo L

Funny!

Read all 13 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Sylvester Stallone as Angelo "Snaps" Provolone

            Ornella Muti as Sofia Provolone

            Peter Riegert as Aldo

            Tim Curry as Dr. Thornton Poole

            Marisa Tomei as Lisa Provolone

            Don Ameche as Father Clemente

            Vincent Spano as Anthony Rossano

            Eddie Bracken as Five Spot Charlie

            Linda Gray as Roxanne

            Chazz Palminteri as Connie

            Kurtwood Smith as Lieutenant Toomey

            Yvonne De Carlo as Aunt Rosa

            Ken Howard as Kirkwood

            William Atherton as Overton

            Martin Ferrero as Luigi Finucci

            Harry Shearer as Guido Finucci

            Sam Chew Jr. as Van Leland

            Mark Metcalf as Milhous

            Richard Romanus as Vendetti

            Joey Travolta as Ace

            Elizabeth Barondes as Theresa

            Jocelyn O'Brien as Nora

            Robert Lesser as Officer Keough

            Art La Fleur as Officer Quinn

            Richard Foronjy as Knucky

            Paul Greco as Schemer

            Arleen Sorkin as Manicurist

            Kai Wulff as Underwood Chauffeur

            Kirk Douglas as Provone Sr.

            Marshall Bell as 1st Reporter

            Louis D'Alto as 3rd Reporter

            Joe Dante as Face on the Cutting Room Floor

            Bruce Davison
            
            Danny Goldstein as Cab Driver

            Sal Vecchio as Vendetti Hood

            Rick Avery as Vendetti's Driver

            Jim Mulholland as Oscar

            Tony Munafo as Frankie the Roach

            Jackie Burch
            
            Tom Grant as 2nd Reporter
See full cast

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