Watch Johnny Be Good
- R
- 1988
- 1 hr 31 min
-
4.6 (7,559)
Johnny Be Good is an American teen comedy film from 1988, directed by Bud Smith and starring Anthony Michael Hall, Robert Downey Jr., and Paul Gleason. The film follows the story of Johnny Walker, a talented high school football player with big dreams of playing college ball and going pro. The movie centers around Johnny's journey to impress college scouts and secure a football scholarship. Johnny's success on the field has earned him the attention of several top colleges, including State University, who is offering him a full ride to play for their team. But with success comes temptation, and Johnny finds himself caught up in a world of parties, girls, and fame.
As Johnny tries to balance his responsibilities as a student, football player, and teenage party animal, he faces challenges from his friends, coaches, and even the college recruiters themselves. Johnny's best friend Leo Wiggins, played by Robert Downey Jr., is a scheming troublemaker who sees Johnny's success as an opportunity to cash in. Leo convinces Johnny to use his popularity to get freebies, cash, and girls, leading to several hilarious hijinks and misadventures.
Johnny's coach, Wayne Hisler, played by Paul Gleason, is a gruff disciplinarian who tries to rein Johnny in and keep him focused on his game. Hisler sees potential in Johnny and wants to see him succeed, but he also knows that the world of college athletics can be a cutthroat business. Hisler warns Johnny about the dangers of becoming too consumed with his newfound fame, but Johnny is too blinded by the promises of fortune and glory to listen.
As Johnny's antics escalate, things come to a head when the college recruiters start to take notice. Johnny's behavior begins to raise red flags, and the recruiters start to question whether he has what it takes to succeed at the next level. Johnny's dream of playing college ball and going pro is put in jeopardy, and he must decide whether he wants to stay on the path he's on or turn his life around.
Johnny Be Good is a fun, lighthearted comedy that captures the spirit of the 80s. It's a movie about the pressures of being a teenager, the allure of fame, and the struggle to find your place in the world. The film is anchored by the strong performances of its cast, with Anthony Michael Hall delivering a standout performance as Johnny Walker. Robert Downey Jr. is also a scene-stealer as the conniving Leo Wiggins, bringing a sense of humor and irreverence to the film.
While the movie is primarily a comedy, it also touches on some serious themes, such as the morality of using athletes for financial gain and the importance of staying true to yourself in the face of temptation. It's a movie that has aged well and still holds up today, with many of its themes and messages still resonating with audiences.
Overall, Johnny Be Good is a fun, entertaining film that is perfect for a lazy weekend afternoon. It's a movie that will make you laugh, but also leave you thinking about some of the deeper issues it raises. If you're a fan of 80s comedies or just looking for a good laugh, Johnny Be Good is definitely worth a watch.
Johnny Be Good is a 1988 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6 and a MetaScore of 10.