This article discusses themes surrounded by addiction and sexual assault.
Robert Downey Jr. is currently basking in the glow of a fantastic career revival. However, there’s one entry in his filmography that utterly bombed, earning a *shocking* 0% on Rotten Tomatoes: Johnny Be Good.
With his start in classic “Brat Pack” films like *Weird Science* in 1986 and *Less Than Zero*, Downey Jr. has had a wild ride in Hollywood. Despite several bumps along the way, including some truly horrendous film choices, his 1988 comedy *Johnny Be Good*, which pairs him with Anthony Michael Hall, holds the title of his worst film to date. What’s striking is that it’s competing against a string of other cinematic calamities, such as *Friends and Lovers* (1999, 7%), *Gothika* (2003, 15%), and *Dolittle* (2020, 15%).
So, why is *Johnny Be Good* regarded as a total misfire? What’s the storyline? How did critics respond? Most importantly, did Downey Jr.’s career survive this misstep? Spoiler alert: it did!
What is *Johnny Be Good* Even About?
So, what’s the deal with this dubious movie? Let me break it down for you. Anthony Michael Hall stars as Johnny Walker—a name that playfully nods to a well-known Scotch whisky—who’s one of the top high school quarterbacks in the nation. With multiple college offers on the table, Johnny faces a pivotal choice. His best pal Leo Wiggins (Downey Jr.) and girlfriend Georgia Elkans (Uma Thurman) have differing opinions on what he should do. Georgia wants him to join her at State University, while Leo urges him to explore all options for the best deal.
Amidst the pressure, Johnny gets some concerning advice about accepting gifts and potential bribes but soon finds himself in deep trouble. After being embroiled in an awkward situation and falsely accused of sexual assault by both Georgia’s father, Chief Elkans (Marshall Bell), and an unscrupulous coach, Johnny faces a tarnished reputation. With nowhere left to turn, he chooses to go to Piermont, where the coach in question has been maneuvered into his path.
In a surprisingly tidy ending, the two antagonists are exposed, leading Johnny to select a college that fits him—not just the one that appears the most prestigious. It’s about enjoying college life and playing football without overwhelming pressure—yet critics hammered this film hard.