Homeboy is a 1988 drama film, directed by Michael Seresin. It was written by and stars Mickey Rourke in the role of self-destructive cowboy/boxer Johnny Walker. Christopher Walken also stars as Walker's slightly corrupt promoter, who encourages him to fight whilst hiding from him the fact that one more punch in the wrong place would kill him.
The film was released on DVD on September 1, 2009.
Plot
Johnny Walker is a down-and-out boxer, with brain damage who has just recently moved into a sea-side resort. Upon arriving, he falls in love with Ruby, a carnival owner who has a lot in common with Johnny,.
Johnny, who is played by Mickey Rourke, also befriends Wesley Pendergrass (Christopher Walken). Wesley and Johnny form a strong friendship, and it's clear that Johnny idolises Wesley.
Later on in the film, Wesley wants to use Johnny as muscle in a robbery and he asks Johnny to help him. Johnny has to choose between the love of Ruby (Debra Feuer)or the friendship of Wesley.
Production details
In the film, Tillie and the Palace Amusements building can be seen in the background, a staple of Asbury Park and its culture. During the boxing scenes, the Convention Hall is used as the venue. This is the first of two times Rourke used the famed venue in films. The second time it was used was for 2008's The Wrestler.
Cast
Also, a young Stephen Baldwin appears in a brief scene.
Production
Exterior shots in Asbury Park include the boardwalk, the beach, Paramount Theatre, Cookman Avenue. Shots in Belmar include Alfred's Ice Cream Cafe and Pied Piper Ice Cream. Interior shots in Asbury Park include the Convention Hall and Belmar Barber Shop in Belmar.
In popular culture
In Bob Dylan's first memoir, Chronicles Volume One, he writes of a trip to the movies during the recording of the album Oh Mercy. He writes of Mickey Rourke:
- He could break your heart with a look. The movie traveled to the moon every time he came onto the screen. Nobody could hold a candle to him. He was just there, didn't have to say hello or goodbye.
Dylan would later work with Rourke on his film Masked and Anonymous in 2001.
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