Wise Guys (1986)

33% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
36% of users liked it
(3,098 ratings)

The "wise guys" referred to in the title, Harry Valentini (Danny DeVito) and Moe Dickstein (Joe Piscopo), turn out to be not so wise after all in this crime-oriented comedy. Harry and Moe run the risk of certain death when they steal money from a Mafia don (Dan Hedaya) and then try to multiply their… More The "wise guys" referred to in the title, Harry Valentini (Danny DeVito) and Moe Dickstein (Joe Piscopo), turn out to be not so wise after all in this crime-oriented comedy. Harry and Moe run the risk of certain death when they steal money from a Mafia don (Dan Hedaya) and then try to multiply their ill-gotten gains at the horse races. Naturally, they lose the bundle and the next thing they know they're running from hitmen and trying to come up with enough cash to pay back their debt. Wise Guys' blend of comedy and action represented something of a change of pace for director Brian DePalma, best known for his offbeat thrillers and Hitchcock homages. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: Brian DePalma
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 18, 1986 Wide
On DVD: Aug 30, 2005
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Fernando F. Croce, Slant Magazine
A mid-career faux pas, or the director's equivalent of the coruscating, laugh-stuck-in-your-throat dissonance of The King of Comedy?
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Brian DePalma, who made some funny movies years ago, seems to have lost his touch.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
A waste of celluloid.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
A lame Mob comedy, proving Piscopo is not movie material
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
A terrific piece of throwaway entertainment.

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

Ken S

I know this movie doesn't get a lot of love, but it's got a few great gags in it. Piscopo is even pretty descent.
AJ V

A fantastic dark comedy about gangsters, I loved this movie.
Conner R

The thing about Wise Guys is that it’s actually not that bad at all. Since De Palma is the heir to Hitchcock, it’s only fair that you relate this to Mr. and Mrs. Smith. It just shows that he can do anything. He’s not just a suspense storyteller, he can also show off his literal… More
The thing about Wise Guys is that it’s actually not that bad at all. Since De Palma is the heir to Hitchcock, it’s only fair that you relate this to Mr. and Mrs. Smith. It just shows that he can do anything. He’s not just a suspense storyteller, he can also show off his literal sense of humor. Danny DeVito is hilarious and there is also a very funny performance by Harvey Keitel. It’s not amazing, but probably better than most people give it credit for.
Barry L

The funnies thing this spawned was a parody by three pidgeons on a Disney cartoon. Very silly but I had to giggle.
Christopher B

Oh, DePalma, will you ever be mainstream? A decent gangster comedy that played better when it was out than now when everyone has forgotten it's existence.