The Pope of Greenwich Village

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The Pope of Greenwich Village

R

1984

2h 0m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

77%

Tomatometer

31 Reviews

74%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

Cousins Paulie (Eric Roberts) and Charlie (Mickey Rourke) plan to rob a merchant in the New York City neighborhood that's home to the restaurant where they work. When their scheme results in the death of a police officer and draws the ire of the Mafia-linked businessman who was ripped off, Charlie's girlfriend (Daryl Hannah) bolts, and mob henchmen exact a brutal price from Paulie. With the mob threatening to kill them, the thieves must think fast if they intend to survive.

Critics Consensus

Undisciplined direction and a clichéd story prevent The Pope of Greenwich Village from achieving greatness, but it's an entertaining showcase for its stars.

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Eleanor Ringel Cater

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Oct 30, 2021

The film's central concern... is all too familiar, and director Stuart Rosenberg can't figure out a way to freshen it up.

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

Oct 30, 2021

3.5/4

"Pope" is one of the best buddy films made in recent years.

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Sheila Benson

Los Angeles Times

Oct 30, 2021

The wonder of this explosively funny, tautly dangerous movie is that it's without a single false note.

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Sean Burns

Crooked Marquee

Jun 22, 2025

The film is a marvel of peacocking machismo, with two big, preening performances trying to top each other in every scene.

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Laurie Horn

Miami Herald

Oct 30, 2021

3/4

This is primarily a genre film for those fascinated with Sicilian blood. But something about it gives it tentacles.

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Robert P

@Superbad Oct 1, 2026

The Pope of Greenwich Village = a 3.5 star Movie!

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Wayne K

@WayneKelso Sep 28, 2026

Made back when Mickey Rourke was one of the big up and comers, a heartthrob with dramatic abilities and a talent for playing those on the fringe of society, The Pope Of Greenwich Village might not be one of his most famous roles, but it’s another one in which he demonstrates his considerable talent. He makes a great double act with Eric Roberts, who I barely recognised at first, and their banter provides some of the films most entertaining moments. The plot can be scattershot at times, and it feels like to many balls are up in the air. Also, Burt Young’s mobster isn’t much different to the countless examples we’ve seen before. But I loved how the way he’s defeated was set up, and while the story doesn’t have the greatest of stakes, it’s a very enjoyable ride from start to finish. Rourke’s done better before, but it’s yet another project that heralded the rise of a man who, had he stayed the course, could very well have been a screen icon.

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Joaquin U

@Joaquin1 Aug 31, 2026

Very entertaining. A fine 80s Italian‑gangster exploitation flick. Strong cast, with Roberts giving a notable performance—even if it’s not far from his usual roles of the era. Rourke adds compelling presence, and it’s always good to see Young. Script and direction are just okay. Violent and with several hilarious scenes. Grab the popcorn and enjoy.

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Bill K

@BDKowalski Aug 5, 2026

This must be the hammiest performance Eric Roberts has ever produced, but it blends in pretty well with the loud overacting which is the essence of this movie. "CHOLL-EEEEE! THEY TOOK MY THUMB, CHOLL-EEEEE!"

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Landon J

@Minxsykitty Jul 28, 2026

A really decent crime story entry. Poor Charlie, he does it to himself though. Quite tense and highly entertaining at times. Kinda like the cross between a chicken wing and DeNiro movie.

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Michael G

@RT11962740 Jul 28, 2026

Decent movie, but it's sad to see what the young Mickey Rourke morphed in to

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Stuart Rosenberg

Director

Eric Roberts

Paulie

Mickey Rourke

Charlie

Daryl Hannah

Diane

Geraldine Page

Mrs. Ritter

Kenneth McMillan

Barney

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Synopsis

Cousins Paulie (Eric Roberts) and Charlie (Mickey Rourke) plan to rob a merchant in the New York City neighborhood that's home to the restaurant where they work. When their scheme results in the death of a police officer and draws the ire of the Mafia-linked businessman who was ripped off, Charlie's girlfriend (Daryl Hannah) bolts, and mob henchmen exact a brutal price from Paulie. With the mob threatening to kill them, the thieves must think fast if they intend to survive.

Director: Stuart Rosenberg
Producer: Gene Kirkwood, Hawk Koch
Screenwriter: Vincent Patrick
Distributor: MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: United Artists
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 22, 1984, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 1, 2017
Runtime: 2h 0m

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