Movies

I was surprised at how much I liked this film, being that I had never heard of it. The story focuses on Tommy (James Marsden), who has just come home from the army, but he's now undercover (working for Brian Dennehey), to bring down the gangsters he grew up. He comes home to see his brother Vincent (Brad Renfro) and his cousin Joey (Giovanni Ribisi), and the story goes from there. I won't go into any more detail at the sake of not ruining the film, but it's very good. If you enjoy a good gangster film, then this is the one for you. I am giving it an 8 out of 10. Also notice certain celeb cameos, such as Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee, an d Dennis Hopper.

Ribisi is always good and he gives a great performance. I can;t say the rest of the cast does. The mother character is nothing too special and the lead is mediocre. The whole mob feel gets lost when Tommy Lee makes his appearance. It starts out with the cliché, voice over done by the lead character as all mob movies do. There is no real description of the rise of Joey(Ribisi's Character) to mob boss. It was a story based on a Philadelphia mafia, I was thinking Joey Merlino but I guess not because of the ending. All in all the movie was not that bad. I recommend "Gotti" or "Goodfellas" first though. No major players in this one but it will hold your attention. I wish there was more story of the kids growing up into mob guys but they skip that and head right into adulthood.

Saw this film last night at a standing room only sneak previews in Orange County, CA. The audience was spell-bound throughout the entire screening - you could hear a pin drop. Stellar career-making performances by James Mardsen, Giovannia Ribisi and Brad Renfro. Brian Dennehy was exceptional and Lesley Ann Warren showed a depth of talent I've not seen before. Bobby Moresco has eloquently and thoughtfully crafted a film that speaks to the heart and will be sure to gather well deserved attention when the film is released. Production values are top notch all the way around. There is violence in the film, but it's never gratuitous - these people live in a brutal world. For me, the film ended on a note of hope for new beginnings.