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MOVIE REVIEW

Corky Romano

MPA Rating: PG-13-Rating (MPA) for drug and sex-related humor, and for language.

Reviewed by: Douglas Downs
STAFF WRITER

Moral Rating: Very Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Adult
Genre: Comedy
Length: 1 hr. 26 min.
Year of Release: 2001
USA Release: October 12, 2001
Relevant Issues
Chris Kattan in “Corky Romano”. Photo Copyright Touchstone Pictures.
Featuring Chris Kattan, Vinessa Shaw, Peter Falk, Richard Roundtree, Chris Penn
Director Rob Pritts
Producer Tracey Trench, Robert Simonds
Distributor Distributor: Touchstone Pictures (a division of Disney). Trademark logo.Touchstone Pictures, a division of Walt Disney Studios

There is an advertising slogan for a bathroom cleanser that makes the claim “we work hard so you don’t have to”. The same could be applied to “Corky Romano”. “I endured this terrible film so you don’t have to”. This film, which tries to be another mob comedy, makes even “Mickey Blue Eyes” look good. I don’t even think the fact that its release date and the release of the “Godfather” saga can help generate any interest.

it’s obvious that some studios are more than willing to gamble on the popularity of “Saturday Night Live” comedians. There have been some stars in the past that have earned the risk. Lately, that has not been true. Some stars, like Molly Shannon, have wised up and developed smaller roles (ex. “Serendipity”). Chris Kattan has not made a film worth watching yet. He was in two previous cinematic disasters, “A Night at the Roxbury” and “Monkeybone.” “Corky” is so bad, it makes even those losers look good (and that’s not saying much). This also continues to be a miserable year for Disney (Touchstone).

Newcomer Rob Pritts directs “Corky Romano”, but sadly for him this is not going to be much of a success to be proud of as a first. David Garrett and Jason Ward, who are also breaking into the Hollywood scene, also write the script. Producer Robert Simmonds isn’t actually known for very good films either (“Joe Dirt,” “Little Nicky”). As you can see, this flic is already in serious trouble. The comedic contents are awkward, forced, and extremely contrived. It is revolting just to think about any money being spent on this project.

Corky (Chris Kattan) is the maladroit son of a mafia boss known as Pops Romano (Peter Falk). He is the black sheep of the family because of his professional career. Instead of being a mobster, Corky is an assistant veterinarian. His dad’s criminal activity (prostitution, racketeering, and underground casinos) is about to be exposed by the Feds. Corky is asked to go undercover in the F.B.I. He is approached by Pop’s right hand man Leo Corrigan (Fred Ward) and his two brothers Paulie (Peter Berg) and Peter (Chris Penn). His mission is to infiltrate the Bureau and learn what kind of evidence they have on dear old dad. Our mole comes complete with fake ID and a resume. His undercover name is Corky Pissant. It is supposed to be French (you know pronounced Pees-ahn), but everyone mispronounces it (of course). I guess the whole point is to make the comedic connection to the much better “Pink Panther” days with Chief Inspector Clouseau. I will spare you the rest of the very boring details.

Why is it PG-13? There is a great deal of profanity. This includes several uses of the s-word and sexual related slang. The Lord’s name is also taken in vain frequently. It is obvious that one of the characters is trying to repress homosexual tendencies. There is the sexually related sight gag when an older woman watches Corky pull a snake out of his pants. The majority of the humor is in poor taste. Convinced yet? In another scene a woman catches Corky sniffing her panties. Had enough? I know I have. This is definitely an adult film. The only bright spot in the film was Richard Roundtree playing Howard Schuster, the local FBI Chief. My advice is to skip and be a good film ambassador and encourage others to skip it too. You won’t regret it.


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Positive—My family and I laughed until our sides hurt. This is one of my favorite comedies. Although it does deserve its PG-13 rating, with its 4 or 5 uses of G.D., other swearing, and Corky’s brother who is gay. Otherwise, this is one of the only movies that my family and I all really enjoyed. I loved it.
My Ratings: [Average / 4]
Davie Powers, age 13
Negative—This movie had constant cussing, lots of sexual jokes, and drug jokes fill this movie. A father learns to accept his gay son and look at homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle. This is not the message that teens need to hear!
My Ratings: [Very Offensive / 2]
KE, age teen
Hilarious! I laughed all the way through Corky Romano! There were a few parts that made me cringe but overall it was very good. I was never bored and never just sitting there with nothing to do. The hour and 40 mins went by very quickly…
My Ratings: [Average / 3½]
Kaley, age 15
Movie Critics
…One continuing theme promotes one of Corky’s brothers coming to grips with homosexual tendencies, while two male FBI agents also seem to be more than work partners…
Preview Family Movie and TV Review
…at least 17 ‘s’ words and various other expletives…
ScreenIt!
…most of the alleged comedy involves smarmy sight gags like Corky pulling a long snake through the zipper of his pants…
Ron Weiskind, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
…unfunny farce…
Kevin Maynard, Mr. Showbiz