City Island

1 Comment

• | Reply

• WhatChuckThinks.com | February 21, 2010 8:54 AMReply

  This is THE numero uno film that we've seen in a LONG, long time. I really feel that I should curb my enthusiasm, however -- since it isn't FAIR, that you can't run-right-out to SEE it, after reading this review. Are you going to remember this review in a month from now? I don't know. I DO know, that once I have it on DVD, I can see myself watching it at least once a week! Let me warn you NOW: I hate to be so enthusiastic about every nuance of this film - but I can't help it... It is that good. You need to know, that I am not afraid to express negative opinion - even about a film that has achieved critical acclaim -- just ask me about, "Babble" sometime. 2-1/2 hours of my life that I'll never get back. 2012? Even WORSE! --- So, don't let this review that seems far too positive for any one movie dissuade you. Please! Only recently has the site developer for the movie posted a trailer. For the longest time, the movie's site said, "Trailer Coming Soon." Well, much to the delight of everyone who sees it, there is NOW a trailer, and it actually does do the film justice. Starring Andy Garcia, Julianna Margulies, Emily Mortimer, Steven Strait, Dominik Garcia-Lorido, and Ezra Miller, the film could not have been cast any better. Others cast in the film are also perfect in their roles, as well. Most impressive, is the fact that you are so completely swept away by the perfect blend of actors, direction, cinematography, and storyline, that it isn't until quite some time after the film - once you're laughter has calmed to an occasional chuckle - that you begin to consider the fabulous performances delivered by everyone involved. Julianna Margulies - a gal that I always thought was passionate, yet a little too serious - fearing that she would be typecast by her character on television's "ER" for those so many years - has perfect comedic timing. In the blink of an eye, she displays a complex yet radically different relationship with everyone else in the room. Within the same breath, she plays to these differences between husband, son, daughter, and an unwelcome visitor to her dinner table. Bringing even more complexity and intrigue to the film, these complex relationships change - and change again - throughout the film. When you consider that a film is never shot in sequence, you begin to further appreciate the dynamics of the performance she delivers, with ever-changing feelings toward the people in and around her home. Andy Garcia, as expected, brilliantly delivers a character who has many levels. Warm, tender, hot-headed, proud, moral, defensive - and more. Every aspect very believable - you'll feel like you know this guy! His relationships between the characters doesn't change, so much as deepen. Andy is a brilliant actor, portraying a "normal guy" who is also studying to be an actor. When he plays an actor at his fist audition, you are reminded of what a brilliant actor he is! The daughter is played by Dominik Garcia-Lorido, who takes a role that has been played time, and time again - but it a way so fresh and convincing, you'll swear that you've never seen this character, faced with these dilemmas, ever before. She is so genuinely disgusted and embarrassed by her family and their antics - you can feel - even anticipate her pain. The chemistry is so rich and flavorful in this film; you actually enjoy the chemistry as much, or even more, than the storyline - which, in-and-of-itself, is also brilliant. By the way: Dominik Garcia-Lorido is Andy Garcia's daughter, in real life. I didn't know that, until after watching the film. I then rushed to find out if the rest of the cast was somehow related - in an effort to explain the "real-feel" of this film. No; no one else is related in real life. The sweet presence of Emily Mortimer adds elements of grace and surprise. You only think you know what her secret is - but you don't! She is the linen-and-lace tablecloth on the rickety card-table of life that this picture depicts. She's the sourdough bread at the wine tasting - a chance to cleanse your pallet from the Bronx accents in the film. The placement of her British command of the language was likely no accident. I expect to hear from writer/director Raymond DeFelitta, and explain how I knew of this! The smallest role in the film, is nonetheless one of the most enjoyable: the wisecracking teenage son - seen in the trailer, saying one of my favorite lines, "Good times ahead -nothin' but good, sweet, breezy times!" Vince Jr.'s affinity for B.B.W. is likely to make you chuckle. It is odd, and it is funny. The film is not predictable. The viewer is just sure that this is gonna happen - and that is gonna happen. Well, the viewer is pleasantly fooled, time and time again. Fresh - funny - entertaining - wacky - warm - compelling - all rolled into one. A real triumph for us all! GO SEE THIS FILM!