| Overall Grade: |
A |
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| Story: |
A |
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| Acting: |
A+ |
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| Direction: |
B+ |
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| Visuals: |
B |
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The Little Movie That Did!
by Reno Hightower (movies profile)
May 17, 2008
For years this little film wandered the shadowy world of Independent Obscurity, with a fortunate and insightful following of folks, who clamored long enough and loud enough, and finally got this movie onto DVD (with a little help from Paul Giammatti's blossoming carrer). I saw this movie years ago, and had to search to get a copy on VHS, a copy that is now seriously worn and degraded.
Hard to believe this movie only did $38,000 at the box-office. A clear sign that big league movie critics are a dime-a-dozen. This movie has it all; a great story with sharp, intelligent dialogue. A cast of wonderful, living, characters who you can't help but like...each and every one...including the bad guys. Steve Zahn and Sam Rockwell, two of the most underappreciated comic actors in America today are a scream as Samuel & Eddie; to horrific wanna-be-lounge singers who get mistaken for professional safe-crackers by the Jewish Mob. Big Fat Bernie Gayle, played by Michael Lerner, is the Mobster, and Paul Giamatti as his right-hand man "Vealchop" absolutely steals every scene he's in. But it doesn't stop there, Harvey Fierstein as Good Stuff Leo, and Mark Ruffalo as one of the REAL safe crackers are also incredibly funny. What makes this movie so good, is that it takes a classic case of mistaken identity and turns into something special by way of strong writing, and very honest performances by the cast. It's not just all belly laughs and guffaws, there are some soft tender moments, that give this film real depth, and heart.
I can't recommend a film more than this. RUN! Do not walk, to your nearest video store and buy this movie...you can thank me later. |
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