Back in 2011, I attended a Barnum-esque press conference announcing the go-ahead on a biopic of John Gotti.
His response: Eddie Murphy.
And in the weeks after that, they all fell out.
Credit: Brian Douglas/Lionsgate/Emmet/Furla Oasis Films
Everyone, that is, except Travolta.
Seven long years later,Gottihas finally snuck its way into theaters without screening in advance for critics.
And its hard to see why Travolta stuck it out for so long.
Its not a good movie.
But the blame cant be laid at its stars Ferragamo-shod feet.
Hes as Teflon as Gotti ever was.
He doesnt know how to half-step it.
Somehow he manages to inhabit roles even if they dont appear to suit him on the surface.
So lets just stick to whats on screen for now.
If theres a more dispiriting narrative rig to kick off a film with, Im all ears.
With a mix of braggadocio and profanity, he sets up the story of his rise and fall.
It just feels like John Gottis Greatest Hits literally.
But theres never any time to consider what any of it means.
Why is he different than any other mobster?
Connollys in too much of a rush to get somewhere and doesnt seem to know what that destination is.
But this is Travoltas show for better or worse.
Whether hes firing off cocky wisecracks or barking threats at his inept underlings, he grabs your attention.
Its too bad that the rest of the movie lets him down so badly.
After eight years of loyalty to this belated and disappointing film, Travolta deserved better.C
