“Johnny Be Good” (1988) is a comedic coming-of-age film that follows Johnny Walker, a high school football star pursued by college recruiters.
As the pressure mounts to make a decision that will shape his future, Johnny finds himself caught between the expectations of others and his own desires.
With its fast pace and energetic tone, the film explores themes of ambition, peer pressure, and personal growth in a lighthearted manner.
In his quest to navigate this chaotic world, Johnny must learn to distinguish between genuine opportunities and mere illusions.
Amidst the chaos, he discovers that becoming an adult requires more than just excelling on the football field – it demands self-discovery and finding one’s true purpose.

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Review
A Tragicomedy of Youthful Misadventures Revealed: “Johnny Be Good”
In fair Hollywood, where movies are made,
A tale of youthful folly we find displayed.
“Johnny Be Good,” a motion picture esteemed,
Did captivate audiences, though it may have seemed.
This comedy, or so it has been dubbed,
Is set in an era where high school is hubbed.
Our protagonist, Johnny Walker by name,
A gifted quarterback, seeking fortune and fame.
The storyline unfolds with news most dire,
For talented Johnny is soon to expire.
Colleges near and far all desire his skill,
Yet choices he must make that require great will.
The plot thickens as rivalries ignite,
Coaches conspire to secure their delight.
With tales of scholarships dancing in their heads,
They attempt to woo Johnny with words well said.
A cast of acclaimed actors brought this tale alive,
Anthony Michael Hall as Johnny did strive.
Robert Downey Jr., Uma Thurman too,
Their performances left the audience askew.
Quotes from the movie abound in fame’s embrace,
“Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat,” they say.
These words so eloquently spoken by Downey Jr. himself,
Resonate deeply within our troubled selves.
The acting prowess of this talented team,
Combined with Shakespearean prose might seem a dream.
Yet blend they did with harmony divine,
Transporting us to a world not quite aligned.
History tells us this film did not fare well,
Critics were divided, its popularity fell.
But let us delve deeper into this cinematic work of art,
To uncover the truth that lies beneath its humble start.
The score and soundtrack enriched each scene and frame
With melodies that spoke to our hearts aflame.
John Cafferty’s impassioned voice filled the air
As the story unfolded with utmost care.
Filming on location breathed life into each scene,
From high school halls to football fields pristine.
The cinematography, a visual delight,
Captivating the eye with colors shining bright.
Opinions may differ, but my evaluation is clear,
“Johnny Be Good” deserves a second cheer.
For its blend of comedy and heartfelt emotion,
Mirror human folly in youthful commotion.
Though awards may not have come its way,
This movie still stands tall to this very day.
Its ephemeral nature reminds us true,
That sometimes greatness lies in hidden view.
Critics have decried the dialogue’s lack,
Of intellectual depth and poetic knack.
But let me remind thee, Shakespearean heydays past,
Not all plays were penned with such linguistic blast.
A gossip tidbit you may find quite amusing:
John Goodman was cast, but his role was confusing.
As Coach Smith, he brought laughs aplenty
With scenes that some called mighty hefty.
Special effects were sparse in this youthful chase,
Yet the development of characters took center space.
Their growth and transformation, tangible and real,
The essence of Shakespearean drama to feel.
A closer analysis reveals a truth untold,
“Johnny Be Good” is a tale of youth bold.
Its scenes of high school misadventures grand
Echo themes found within Shakespeare’s own land.
So let us give praise where praise is due,
To the director and crew who brought this story true.
Though not perfect, “Johnny Be Good” shines bright
As a testament to the human spirit’s flight.
Technical Data

- Release : 1988-03-22
- Runtime : 91
- Genre : Comedy
- Cast : Anthony Michael Hall as Johnny Walker, Robert Downey Jr. as Leo Wiggins, Uma Thurman as Georgia Elkans, Paul Gleason as Wayne Hisler, Steve James as Coach Ned Sanders
- Crew : Gregg Fonseca as Production Design, Robert D. Yeoman as Director of Photography, Sharon Seymour as Art Direction, Bud S. Smith as Director, M. Scott Smith as Editor
- Revenue : 0
- Budget : 0
- Company : Orion Pictures
- Popularity : 12.472
- Summary : It’s recruiting time and despite being short and scrawny, Johnny Walker is America’s hottest young football prospect. His dilemma: should he take one of the many offers from college talent scouts or should he attend the local state college with his girlfriend and give up his football career?
- Tagline : Every college in the country wants Johnny. ‘Cause when he’s good he’s very very good. And when he’s bad he’s better.