Ray Liotta’s Final Film, 1992, is Dividing Critics

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Ray Liotta's Final Film, 1992, is Dividing Critics

As a long-time admirer of Ray Liotta’s captivating performances throughout his illustrious career, I have always been drawn to his electrifying portrayals that left an indelible impact on cinema. From the unforgettable Henry Hill in Goodfellas to the enigmatic Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field of Dreams, Liotta’s ability to breathe life into complex characters has consistently captivated audiences and critics alike.

At present, the movie has a 68% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, but an audience score of 92%. Although it qualifies as ‘fresh’, there’s a noticeable gap between the two scores. This discrepancy can be attributed to varying opinions among critics regarding the film’s cast, plot, and how the L.A. riots are depicted in the background, while audiences appreciate its action scenes, message, and Liotta’s performance.

Although the movie has its flaws, it’s understandable why fans of Liotta would appreciate it. With a career stretching back to the 80s, Liotta is known for iconic roles such as Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, Shoeless Joe Jackson in Phil Alden Robinson’s Field of Dreams, and numerous other unforgettable characters in movies like Something Wild, John Q., Killing Them Softly, The Place Beyond the Pines, and Marriage Story.

Sadly, Liotta unexpectedly passed away in the Dominican Republic during filming for “Dangerous Waters” in 2022. After his death, he was credited posthumously for “Cocaine Bear,” “Fool’s Paradise,” and the TV series “Black Bird.”

1992 Stars Remember Ray Liotta

Ray Liotta's Final Film, 1992, is Dividing Critics

1992, helmed by Ariel Vromen, is a film where Liotta was part of the cast, having previously collaborated with him in the 2012 movie “The Iceman”. In addition to Liotta, the film boasts Tyrese Gibson and Scott Eastwood as its leading stars. In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, both Gibson and Eastwood shared fond memories of working alongside Liotta. Gibson recounted the last words Liotta said to him on his final day on set before his passing.

“When Ariel informed us that Ray Liotta had finished filming, everyone applauded and cheered. He pulled on his athletic clothes to go to the airport. I was the one who got the final embrace as he was getting into his car. He commented, ‘You were great, man.’ I responded, ‘Wow, you were great too, man. I didn’t realize you had anything positive to say about anything.’ (Laughs.) He replied, ‘You were great, man. Keep going. You’re making your mark.’ We laughed and hugged, and I left without realizing that it would be my last embrace.”

Eastwood described Liotta as a “straightforward, no-nonsense individual” and highlighted the intense energy he brought to the filming location. Following this, he added:

On a more casual level, I must say that spending the summer with him was simply amazing. I got to learn so much about him, his life, and his fascinating career in cinema. Notably, he has collaborated with Martin Scorsese, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to his tales. Hearing his stories was truly a memorable experience.

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2024-09-01 20:04