Lack of good storyline.

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.

It used to be in the sixties, that with enough money, clout or talent, a man could not only Write, Produce, Direct and even star in the same film. Well, here's one. If you look closely enough, you can see writer, Directer and producer, Larry Bishop in this surprise hit called " Mad Dog Time. " Of course, if you look closer, you can recognize a whole Plethora of great stars in the same film. The movie tells the story of Vic, a Mob Boss (Richard Dreyfuss) who lost his mind and was institutionalized. Unfortunately, for his organization, he is now due to be released and Woe betide his henchmen for conspiring to remove him and take over the outfit. Jeff GoldBlum stars as Mickey Holliday, his right hand man and the fastest shooter around. It is he who must now answer the most serious questions to Vic as to what the gang has been doing in his absence. Gabriel Byrne, Henry Silva, Michael J. Pollard and Gregory Hines, head the list of all the people who work for the boss, unlike Burt Reynolds who top the list of enemies, like Joey Bishop, Kyle MacLachlan, Billy Idol, Billy Drago and Christopher Jones. Other Hollywood notables like Paul Anka, Richard Pryor and Rob Reiner also make very brief appearances. Still, this black comedy is a good story, but one must pay attention, else the plot can escape you. Some tense and exciting moments are reserved for the ending. Indeed, the lavish sets, beautiful Women or Molls, Goldblum's youthful and stylish characterization lend their weight to give this movie a nod towards eventually becoming a gangster Classic. Recommended for those who seek a civilized man's movie. ****

I originally saw this very dark comedy around 2000 or so on cable TV. What a surprise and delight! Everyone is covertly armed in this movie! Dreyfuss plays the "mental" don (remember the New York don who was supposed to be schizophrenic? Art imitates life or vice-versa?). Diane Lane and Ellen Barkin are at their most beautiful and NOT to be toyed with! Thus proving that beauty and toughness DO go together! Then there is the great "bullshit" scene between Barkin and Jeff Goldblum (Rita and Mickey) where they verbally play off the world "bullshit." This film is both subtle and bald. For all the shooting, it can be a very quiet film. And, you have the opportunity to see several actors in their final or near final roles. Joey Bishop. Richard Pryor. Henry Silva. It is not a film for everyone. But, if you like a film that has a lot of word play and keeps moving without blowing up everything in sight, this is the film for you. Roger Ebert dumps on this film. He's flat wrong. THIS is a fine, fine film! Maybe just not one for Ebert. I consider it as a 10 because of how well it is done and how funny the script can be, while not really being a straight comedy kind of film. I like it so well that I bought it on DVD because it just doesn't get shown very much on cable TV. Now, it's all mine!

This a superb self-contained work that is unconnected with anything before or after. Brat Pack crooning and club exclusivity are not my biscuits of choice, but in this law-free world they make an alluring ambiance. The film is packed with Our Guys, distinctive actors who add distinction to this work with winning performances. The dialogue is a joy. In fact it's a new vernacular. One of the few films that can be watched repeatedly with deepening appreciation.Highpoints include Billy Idol's British loutishness, Ben London's vulturine brassware, Kyle's squirmishness, and the survey of ad hoc philosophies.

Most of the comments have been positive but I would like to add that viewers should also focus on the sets. The set designer used a lot of beautiful art deco treatments along with beautiful buildings, stairs, doors, furniture and so forth. It is worth paying attention to. The movie is driven by characterization and symbolism which is very rich. All the gangster actors were cast - it was like seeing old friends and it was a treat. The dialog was amusing at times but stilted at times and I suppose it was meant to be that way. This is a film buff's film. It was made by people, for people who love the medium. Don't miss this one.