Another DeNiro movie by Scorcese. Strong opening 2/3. Jerry Lewis object of DeNiro's obsession (and Sandra Bernhard). Lewis politely shines them along; they kidnap him. Release? Let DeNiro do his opening late night monologue. Ending weak.
I didn't see this when it came out, so new to me. DeNiro is excellent. Jodie Foster as 13 year-old prostitute would not be allowed (for good reasons) to do the part today. Cybil Shepherd in the movie for a little glamor. Highlight DeNiro's mental collapse. Weak ending, DeNiro a hero for killing Foster's pimp. Her loving parents take her back to their home. (Why did she run away?)
Not nearly as good as the book. Cillian Murphy sees abused girl at laundry convent in Ireland. He rescues her, risking his status in the neighborhood and the education of his younger daughters (the nuns will not take them into their school). His wife is a shrew, but his own experience as an orphan drives him to do the right thing. 3.5