Richard Peter Johnson (2015) User Reviews

Misses its Mark on Just About Every Level

[dcarsonhagy · 4/10 · 16 August 2016]

Faux documentaries can be hilarious, if done well. Most on here I would think have seen "Spinal Tap," "Waiting for Guffman," and "What We Do in the Shadows." They were all well written, well directed, and well acted. Such is not the case for "William Peter Johnson."

This is supposedly a documentary about the hottest male porn star who tries to go legit. Trouble is, he cannot act his way out of a paper bag and thinks the only way he can save any scene is by dropping his pants and dangling his "personality." A couple of his auditions end up this way and that was kind of funny. The fact that he is also well known throughout the porn business because of his "cuddling" abilities was also funny. Other scenes, however, are just all over the place, retreaded attempts used in other films, or scenes just never really thought through. Even the ill-fated "love interest" angle didn't really connect.

Had this been written or (even better) acted by Christopher Guest and his entourage, it probably would have been a scream. However, with these amateurs it just turned out to be a bore.

Rated "R" for some naked butts and "pixeled-out" penises, "RPJ" missed its mark.

A funny fake documentary

[Gordon-11 · 12 September 2016]

This film tells the story of a successful porn star, who quits at the height of his fame to pursue his dream of mainstream acting. A camera crew follows him around to document his transition to becoming an actor.

"Richard Peter Johnson" is quite enjoyable. The main character is charming and handsome. Even though he is a little goofy, and even stupid at times (such as the conversation about austere), he is still likable. The auditions he attends are quite funny, and I have the impression that he is not really up to the mark. The numerous characters that are interviewed in the film are funny as well, I particularly like Richard's agents. I think this film is a fun and light hearted look at the struggles of aspiring actors. I enjoyed watching it.