The 80s - The Pick-Up Artist #1

**Melis** · 08-01-2009, 04:23 PM

The Pick-Up Artist

Summary
With this rote but well-cast romantic comedy, writer-director James Toback began his long association with actor Robert Downey, Jr. The latter stars as Jack Jericho, a grade school teacher and smooth operator who zealously polishes his cliched pick-up lines in front of a mirror. Jack's come-ons even work on Randy Jensen (Molly Ringwald), a redheaded museum tour guide who dishes up a stream of retorts, matching Jack's verbal banter. After quickly trysting in the back of Jack's car, Randy flatly thanks him and walks off. Realizing that Randy is his soul mate, Jack gets his pal Phil (Danny Aiello) to find her. She's in Atlantic City, desperately trying to win $25,000 with her paycheck. Her father, Flash (Dennis Hopper), is an inveterate alcoholic who owes the money to a mobster, Alonzo (Harvey Keitel). Alonzo is willing to erase the debt if Randy will sleep with a South American kingpin, so she's trying to hit a jackpot that will get her and Flash off the hook. With a deadline of tomorrow, Jack sets out to get Randy's money and convince her that he's Mr. Right. The Pick-Up Artist was the final film appearance of actress Mildred Dunnock, who played Jack's grandmother. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide

**Melis** · 08-01-2009, 04:24 PM

This movie had its parts, but overall it was disappointing. I guess I expected to like the movie because I am a Molly fan. I'm also a Robert fan. Molly's character wasn't the likable relatable character that I'm used to.

Barrybgb · 08-02-2009, 08:30 AM

I haven't seen this one. I like the two leads, of course, but I am not 100% interested....yet.

**Melis** · 08-03-2009, 09:48 PM

I understand. I watched because I liked the cast, but it wasn't all that.

Barrybgb · 08-04-2009, 07:57 AM

With a cast like that, I would imagine everyone would expect something better.

**Melis** · 08-04-2009, 03:31 PM

Yeah, that's understandable.

Robert's character was just not very likable.

Marki · 08-06-2009, 05:13 PM

i think the scene near the begining with him and her in the red car...just realy turns you off.

**Melis** · 08-07-2009, 11:20 PM

Yep, nothing about this movie is very appealing and that's sad.

Barrybgb · 08-08-2009, 08:23 AM

It seems Molly had a tough go at it if it wasn't a John Hughes movie

**Melis** · 08-08-2009, 11:33 AM

That's too bad.

Barrybgb · 08-08-2009, 12:48 PM

It is. I mean, there was this one, then "Fresh Horses" with Andrew McCarthy. Neither one did much. There were a few more movies, and then it went even further downhill. At least now she has a successful TV show.

**Melis** · 08-08-2009, 04:47 PM

It seems her career has picked up again.

Barrybgb · 08-09-2009, 08:29 AM

It has, which is nice.

**Melis** · 08-09-2009, 10:53 AM

Molly deserves it.


Fan Forum > General Discussion > The 80s > The Pick-Up Artist #1