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Homeboy is a drama film released in 1988, directed by Michael Seresin and starring Mickey Rourke in the main role of Johnny Walker, a former boxing champion who has fallen on hard times. Alongside Rourke, the movie also stars Christopher Walken as Wesley Pendergrass, a criminal with whom Johnny has become involved, and Debra Feuer as Ruby, a waitress who offers Johnny a glimmer of hope in the midst of his despair.

The plot of the movie follows Johnny, a washed-up boxer who has lost both his career and his sense of purpose. He is a lonely and desperate man who spends his days working as a bouncer in a seedy bar owned by his friend, Guido (played by Anthony Quinn). Johnny is haunted by the memory of his past successes, but he has lost the drive to fight and has turned to drinking and womanizing to dull his pain.

One day, Wesley Pendergrass approaches Johnny with an offer: he will pay him $5,000 to fight in a bare-knuckle boxing tournament in upstate New York. Johnny is initially skeptical, but when he sees the cash, he agrees to participate. Wesley becomes Johnny's manager and sets him up with an apartment in the city, where he meets Ruby, a kind-hearted waitress who takes a shine to him.

As Johnny trains for the fight, he begins to rediscover his sense of purpose and self-respect. He starts to believe in himself again and even begins a tentative relationship with Ruby. However, things begin to unravel when Wesley's true intentions are revealed, and Johnny finds himself facing a difficult ethical dilemma.

Homeboy is celebrated for its performances, particularly those of Rourke and Walken. Both actors deliver powerful and nuanced performances, portraying complex characters with authenticity and depth. Rourke perfectly embodies the character of Johnny, bringing a sense of pathos and vulnerability to his portrayal. Walken, meanwhile, is mesmerizing as the ruthless Wesley, managing to create a character who is both menacing and charismatic.

The movie is also notable for its cinematography, which is both gritty and poetic. The film was shot on location in New York City, and the urban landscapes are captured in all their grimy glory, with the camera swooping through the alleyways and dive bars that serve as the backdrop to Johnny's story. The movie's moody soundtrack, featuring songs by Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, adds to the film's melancholy atmosphere.

In addition to the outstanding performances and visuals, Homeboy is a film that deals with some weighty themes, including redemption, addiction, and the corrupting influence of money. Johnny's struggle to find meaning in a life that has lost its purpose will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or hopeless. At the same time, the movie's portrayal of the boxing world and the seedy characters who inhabit it will appeal to fans of the genre.

Overall, Homeboy is a powerful and affecting drama that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. It is a film that examines the human condition with honesty and insight, offering a portrait of a man at the end of his rope who finds a glimmer of hope in the midst of his despair. The movie is a must-see for fans of Mickey Rourke and Christopher Walken, as well as anyone who appreciates a well-crafted drama.

Homeboy is a 1988 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.