Lesser Prophets (1997) User Reviews

One of those video rentals that turns out to be surprisingly enjoyable

[PullmanPumpy2 · 6/10 · 25 December 2006]

I liked this, although it is far from perfect. It's an ensemble movie, three or four separate story lines that all come together in an ending that is totally wrong, but never mind. I liked Dicenzo and his two illegal bookie cronies, their operation looked real to me, and if John Turturo's character was a bit inconsistent -- one moment a moron, the next just a bit backward -- and if Jimmy Smits' participation (I like Smits and his starring position on the video cover was a selling point) was disappointingly brief, there are enough good things in this to keep it interesting. It's mix of 'real' violence and slapstick is another inconsistency, but there is enough in the dialogue and the performances - DiCenzo is particularly good -- to keep it watchable throughout.

Odd but somewhat enjoyable

[bellino-angelo2014 · 6/10 · 23 November 2022]

Considering that LESSER PROPHETS has a score of 5,3 and just 10 reviews, I thought it was going to be terrible but instead was merely ok, and being a fan of some of the cast members, I knew I had to bit the bullet, and I did.

It's an ensemble movie with four separate story lines (a bit reminiscent of PULP FICTION actually) where the police have three bookies under surveillance but they show up elsewhere. Leon (John Turturro) knows them and gives them a tip on a sure thing and they bet the farm, and in the meanwhile he befriends the kid of his next-door apartment that has his mother (Elizabeth Perkins) often abused by her husband who himself does some robberies from time to time with his partner Iggy (Scott Glenn). After various troubles they will all come together with another murder and some money.

I liked the performances by Turturro, Perkins, Glenn, George Di Cenzo and Mike Starr, but what brought down this movie for me was that some of the characters' actions were a bit inconsistent, and the editing looked a bit rough. Still, it falls in the time-passer category.

I didn't like "Lesser Prophets"

[butchfilms · 4/10 · 16 October 2008]

This movie is mainly about three mature men who are bookies partners and Leon (John Turturro),a little slow guy, who gets involved with them to win a lot of money to help a friend who is going through a bad time, but things are going to get complicated.

I didn't like "Lesser Prophets". I think the biggest mistake was giving to much time to the character of Leon, whom i found annoying. I would have given much more time to the three bookies whom I found very entertaining, specially Jerry who is the leader one. In this bad movie the only one who really shines is George DiCenzo's performance as Jerry, he should play in a mafia movie, he would be great.

I wouldn't recommend anyone to watch this movie.

Cool Film

[runnerjack · 18 February 2004]

I had never heard of this movie before until a friend of mine told me had a copy. When he told me about who was in it...I was blown away that I never heard or read about it. Anyway, with no real expectations, we viewed it. Both of us had the same reaction...all in all - pretty good! It had some problems (don't most movies?), but there was so much more good than bad. The performances were great and I liked the story. The script could have used another re-write (some of the dialogue was just out in out...well...let's just say...could have been better), but the Director definitely (a first timer?) knew what he was doing. His shots were innovative and the various locations in New York, although probably used before, seemed new and fresh. A New York that exists, but rarely seen. Reminded me of the sets in Wolfen. I love films that show a city, used over and over in countless other movies, in a new light. Plus, always keep in mind...it's the Director that elicits the performances from the cast. I'm sure it didn't hurt that he had a terrific and talented cast to begin with. A dreamcast. Anyway, if you can find it...I recommend it.

On a scale of 1-10...a strong 8.

A decent script ruined by woefully rotten director

[fer3ret · 1/10 · 25 February 1999]

This is a perfect case of a fairly decent script being ruined by an amateurish director. Devizia had great actors and still managed to make them look bad. Though the actors are a talented bunch, it seems that the casting people and Devizia were just so thrilled to be actually making a movie, that they put the wrong actors in the wrong roles. Paul Diomede, the only shining light as a character in this film was also the screenwriter.

Goofy plot and bad acting.

[philippa-4 · 3/10 · 16 January 2000]

I rented this video because of the impressive casting, thinking it might be an amusing gem. Ha! As I watched, I thought....this movie must have been made a long time ago- like before these guys ever had acting lessons. Boy was I surprised to find out that this movie was made in 97, well after most of the actors had good reputations and choice roles. I guess this proves that bad directing can make even the best actors look pretty terrible. I rated this movie a 3. It did have a little bit of witty dialogue and it was kind of fun to watch famous, well known actors be so awful, in a perverse kind of way.

A sleeper! Where was this film? Great late night flick!

[MacFrank · 9/10 · 8 April 2003]

I was channel surfing the other night, and saw this film as a late "Sunday Night" movie on ABC in NYC. What a cool film! I wonder how this film didn't have a bigger release. I may be a little New York centric, but this was a fun, "caper-ish" movie that while being serious, doesn't take itself too seriously.

This is the type of film I wish there were more of these days, but alas in the days of big budget, effect driven films; it's hard to find adult, character driven dramatic comedies; and this one is worth the watching.

Frank, NYC 4/03

Turturro's Tour de' force!

[Jayson78 · 9/10 · 8 March 1999]

PLOT: Three low-level Bookmakers are looking for a quick fix to get out of some hot water with a local "dick" who is after them to reclaim money that his brother took from him and subsequently lost gambling. The bookies take "a tip" from a sympathetic freak, and all hell breaks loose.

I rented this movie because the cast looked amazing, and it didn't disappoint. The plot line seems at times a bit dis-junct, but even when the story slows down, it opens up room for some brilliant performances. John Turturro is rarely seen at this level....a cross between the "wired / freaky" guy he plays in the Coen Bros films, but here he displays a sympathy that is rarely seen in this kind of character. The bookies are headed off by George DiCenzo, who almost steals the movie....Michael Badaluco (recently on "The Practice") and John Spencer round out the trio. In a scene that makes the film, Jimmy Smits is great in a cameo as a gambler who can't pay. Scott Glenn takes yet another turn as the cop who seeks retribution.

There are few gambling-mafia- type movies that offer a sincerely comical look at the world of low-level wise guys (without avoiding the cliche's that you find in almost every knock off of a Scorsese film) this film manages to pull it off, and is at times very funny in the process.

I loved it

[Ed-124 · 9/10 · 1 March 1999]

I thought this was a great film. Although there were a few mis-cast actors.....(Scott Glenn...Elizabeth Perkins?) I thought they maybe slowed it down a bit. Even as such, it was an entertaining piece of work. Unlike most movies of this genre it rode the fence of real/unreal and was very entertaining. Worth watching.

some didn't get it !

[jaya-jaya · 9/10 · 21 March 2002]

Obviously some people didn't see the same movie that I did. Wonderfully funny and incredibly sad. Loved the perfect ending, and the casting?- wow! Well done like all the movies that John T is in. Yet another extremely underrated actor!!

Different, Interesting and fun.

[stevehoyland · 9/10 · 22 November 2016]

A little violent In places but without any unnecessary gore and with plenty of tongue-In-cheek humour (some a little more direct)this Is an enjoyable little gem which ought to be given more credit than has been the case. The story centers around three Illegal bookies, their partially-retarded dogsbody Leone, a Hard-working, non-corrupt but easy-going and straight-talking cop called Ziggy (and his gambling-debted brother recently deceased via-suicide) and a bullying stepfather(a semi-pro thief on the verge of heist with life-changing Income) who lives with a mother and her pre-teen son In the same building to the previously-mentioned Leone. The Interaction between these central characters forms the basis of the Movie and the way It all ties up Is very good Indeed. It has a bit of everything and that's what makes this film so enjoyable. Three scenes In particular to watch out for (all hilarious) - the dialogue between the Italian guy sat In his car and the gang-leader he Insults, the hanging of Leone from the dock and the three bookies struggling through the streets In chains had me In stitches! I've watched several times and enjoyed the last as much as the first. A good, underrated Movie that I'm sure you, too, will enjoy.