Mickey Rourke plays Mickey Rourke

Rating: 4/10 (8 January 2009)

I honestly don't know what all the hype is. Sure Rourke can act. Most people that saw movies like 9 1/2 Weeks and Angel Heart already knew that. But this latest role wasn't much of a stretch... he plays a washed up, circus-type character in the movie that probably isn't too far off the mark in his own life of wrong decisions and abuse.
Rourke is seen here playing about the only character he can and still be taken seriously at after what he's done to his body and face. So, throughout the movie, when it's required of me to feel sorry for or root for this guy who is a washed up star, I'm lost between Rourke's character and Rourke himself. When I see a movie, I usually want to stay IN THE MOVIE.
In terms of a theme... I mean, yeah, it's sad - guy who was once successful realizes too late in life that his life has passed him by and he's left with a broken down body, a daughter who's disowned him, and without a real income. But do I feel sorry for the character who, even in the midst of realizing his life is over, still chooses a bar stool and sleeping out of the back of his van? There is no benefit for me to invest my faith into a character like this. They gave the character a good heart (only figuratively) and he's pleasant to people around him but I expect him to lose in the end and I don't care that he does.
He and Carrot Top should exchange numbers through their respective agents. Bet they'd have a lot to discuss in therapy together.