Frankie and Johnny

A cook fresh out of prison keeps pressing his attention on a waitress at the diner where he works. She has decided to let no one in. The film deliberately breaks the usual tempo of romantic comedy: his persistence is shown as wearing rather than charming, and her resistance stands as a position with reasons behind it, not an obstacle. The narrative gives its weight to conversations after the shift. Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer lead. It is adapted from Terrence McNally's play, where the characters were plain-looking; the casting drew criticism on that point. Who it's for: those who like slow films about loneliness in middle age. Who it's not for: viewers expecting a light romantic comedy; much of this is sad.