The King of New York (1990)

From the first minute of “King of New York,” Christopher Walken owns the screen. And he doesn’t speak for another 10. Directed by Abel Ferrara, the “King” is Frank White, a recently paroled mob boss who makes clear that he will never again bow or be caged. Bodies stack high as White alternately wrecks havoc on his competitors and the police alike. Meanwhile, White plays Robin Hood, giving away millions to the needy. This is wildly violent stuff that makes “Goodfellas” seem quaint, especially after a band of rogue cops (headed by a young David Caruso) declare war on White. The plot is thin, and not interested in the criminal mindset. This is all about mood, and the mood is bloody, messy, dark as a lightless cave, and unsafe for everyone on screen. Walken is delirious, funny, dangerous and wicked cool, all in a single scene. “King”rules. A-