King of the Jungle

Add John Leguizamo to the list of contemporary actors who have done star turns as retarded or otherwise mentally afflicted characters, along with Dustin Hoffman (Rain Man), Sean Penn (I Am Sam) and Leonardo DiCaprio (What's Eating Gilbert Grape). Leguizamo, heading an impressive cast that includes Rosie Perez, Marisa Tomei, Michael Rapaport and Annabella Sciorra, is Seymour, the innocent simpleton who dotes on the New York Knicks, loves rap music and cigarettes, and longs to fit in--which, of course, he will never do, especially after his mother and protector (Julie Carmen) is senselessly murdered. It's a virtuoso performance, if ultimately a little too mannered and in-your-face, filled with edgy tics and quirks. But this is no feel-good flick; indeed, it's pretty grim stuff, laced with profanity and violence and focusing on the lives of angry, coldhearted New Yorkers. Impressive, but not easy to watch, this is definitely recommended. (S. Graham)