20 May 2012

Hilarious Family Movie

This story was very well told. It is of a man who has a dream, then finds out he has another son just released from prison. The ex-con son seems to be the most sane person in the entire family. Everyone in the story is hiding something that is ridiculous and funny at the same time.

TheHrunting

19 May 2012

An imperfect family on a small NY island

This is a personal story about secrets: hiding them, sharing them. Fromthe son who's interested in kinky stuff, the daughter with a racy job,to the father who sneaks off to no one in the family knows where.Everyone here has got one and it's high time they come out instead ofducking away.On a small fishing island a corrections officer named Vince Rizzo (AndyGarcia) notices someone of familiarity called Tony (Steven Strait) thatgot transferred to the prison he works at. He knew the young man'smother and decides to take him into his home on good faith from astipulation in his sentence called provisional parole. Tony absorbs thevociferous and argumentative family with reserve, as this is justanother temporary place and nothing more. The daughter is in townvisiting from school but plays referee, and the rebellious son isenrolled in high school but never attends. This is your typicaldysfunctional family with outbursts and sarcasm to express themselvesinstead of "good mornings," "how are yous" and who could forget "have anice day" except them."City Island" isn't really selling you something you might not haveseen before and is a little coincidental at times, but gives a littlebit of hope to those people who are in the same situation or are on theverge of getting there. This is a light drama with distinct charactersthat feel and breath the part. This comes with a few chuckles from somepuns and in-jokes to other films. The Rizzos seem to have grown sick ofeach other but are still hanging in there to make it work because deepdown inside they care but have a weird and aggressive way of showing itin loud New York fashion. There are some learning experiences, such asfinding out that hiding from one another creates more space, instead ofembracing each other for their own distinctions and imperfections. Thecharacters managed to slightly grow from the outset and head towardsthe direction of a more comfortable life. Just because things didn'twork out the way you originally envisioned, doesn't mean you have togive up or grow spiteful as you have your support group to fall backon: your family. Yep, those folks who aren't going away. Use what yougot, or miss out. (Also submitted on Cinema Freaks,http://docuniverse.blogspot.com)

16 May 2012

It Blew The Summer Blockbusters Out Of The Water!

I was on an 18 hr flight to Asia last October. There were about a dozen summer blockbuster movies playing- Toy Story 3 (the same movie 3 times now! Enough!), The Last Airbender (Huh?), Prince of Persia (Zzzzzzzzzzz), Robin Hood (Gladiator in England), Nanny McPhee 2 (WTF?! Stoo-pid!{)and a bunch more I couldn't remember. I was desperate to stay awake as it's pretty impossible to sleep on trans-oceanic flights.This movie was an answer to a prayer. I had no idea what it was about, never heard of it, but once it got started you got hooked. Very funny dysfunctional family, very fresh, original. This and Cyrus, another small movie, were the only ones that kept me awake. Great writing, directing, acting, casting. Highly recommended.

imdb-3022

15 May 2012

A perfect dysfunctional family, with emphasis on fun

This is a terrific film, a testament to the brilliance ofactor/producer Andy Garcia. It's got it all -- quirky but lovablecharacters and a great plot with twists reminiscent of the comedies ofOscar Wilde (very clearly updated, of course). As far-fetched as itmight seem, it rings true from start to finish. Can't wait for morefrom writer/director Raymond De Felitta. It's smart, touching,hysterical, and trumps just about everything I've seen in months. Likeeveryone else, I don't know why this is running under the radar. AndyGarcia plays his role like a fine violin -- and he's totallycaptivating. All the actors deliver, and every moment is a treat. Idon't know when or if it will get a wide release, but if you get thechance, see it while you can.

12 May 2012

entertaining zany family

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) I really liked this film. It took me a little while to get into it but once it engages you it makes for a fun, amusing ride. I had a friend who used to live in City Island, it certainly is a unique place in NYC. This is certainly a unique family that can't seem to tell each other the truth. They all have their strange quirks and secrets and until Vince Rizzo, a wonderful Andy Garcia, takes in a convicted felon from his job as a jail guard and brings him to stay at his home their secrets slowly come exposed. A delightful, indie film that will leave you with a few good laughs and a good feeling.

11 May 2012

A Crazy Family In The Bronx!

Andy Garcia does a first rate job playing a husband, father, and guard at a correctional institution(prison!) He meets Tony who not only is a convict but also happens to be his long lost son who he abandoned many years ago and that his family knows nothing about! The rest of Vince's(Garcia) family consists of his wife, Joyce who is this emotional long suffering wife, a teenage son who digs hefty women, and then the collegiate daughter who is really doing something else with her time! Tony is up for parole and since he has no other family around, Vince brings him home to his very chaotic house, and of course Tony is also not aware of how he is related to Vince. Vince has another secret as well disguised as a poker game when he is really taking acting lessons. Tony soon discovers everybody's game in this household and it all makes for a very madcap, confusing, and hilarious outcome! Another character thrown into the mix is a fellow acting student played by Emily Mortimer who also has her own secret. So many secrets, all these people, and how they all maintain some degree of sanity is too much to fathom! This comedy comes off really well given the team of actors as they all seem to fit their roles perfectly. This is a great entertainment movie and it also has some very heartwarming scenes in it as well!

Sgt. Schultz

08 May 2012

An undiscovered gem!

I don't know how this one slipped through upon theatrical release, butit's well worth your time to seek out.Superb acting all around from mostly both well-known and lesser-knownactors (compare Emily Mortimer in this and "Transsiberian"); crisp,imaginative plot and lots of laughs along the way make it winningcombination. Andy Garcia's audition scene alone should have you rollingin the aisles.Add to the above great cinematography, with on-location shooting atCity Island and elsewhere in NYC and I think like me you'll find CityIsland great fun and worth repeat viewing.

arizetta

08 May 2012

Great Movie!

My 30 second overview of the DVD cover at Blockbuster labeled thismovie a drama which too often is code for downer. But my mom insistedthat we rent it because another customer had just told her that thismovie is "Amazing - A must see!" Well, thank God for word of mouth.This is a feel good movie, expertly written, and not just that buteverything is top notch. It belongs in a category with contenders suchas "Little Miss Sunshine" and "American Beauty." It's so sad that Inever got to see this movie in a theater. I have no idea what kind ofrevenue this movie made but I feel confident in saying that whatever itmade it could have made a whole lot more. This movie is a true gem.

JudgeTwist

08 May 2012

Just Weird

I went in open minded as several favorite and very familiar veteranactors are in this movie. I left bored and disappointed in the entirestory as there was perhaps 15 minutes of non-yawn time, while the restwas a sleeper.I felt like Alan Arkin was doing pro-bono work since his appearance inthis film is more cameo than sustenance. The entire movie is rushed.Rushed to introduce "intricate" characters and rushed to make it to thefinish line. There are very few memorable points and many forgettable,lackluster scenes.As I observed the small audience in the theater, the demographicspointed out an older crowd (mostly 50's/60's couples) on a Sundayafternoon. So if you're looking to cool off on a hot day and you're apre-empty nester or empty nester, then you will probably like somethingabout this movie's abbreviated time frame. Otherwise, skip this one andwait for the DVD if curious.

Brandon Vander hey

07 May 2012

Best Picture nomine, please!

"City Island" is made to be Oscar gold, and it is. The film looks terrific, deals with pornography, fetishes, has stellar performances, and is fantastically directed. If the Academy isn't all over that, they've changed up their style. Everyone is not only good but great in their roles, and Andy Garcia knocks his performance out of the park, giving not only one of the best performances of the year, but one of his personal greatest. And also something you don't see in mainstream affair; everyone does an amazing job acting. The people in this movie are actors! It's very refreshing to see. So, to conclude... "City Island" is a refreshingly upbeat tale of an unconventional family who don't have things all sorted out. This is the second best film of the year behind "Inception" and you would be a fool to not give this movie a watch.

05 May 2012

A hidden gem!

City Island, like its location off the shore of the Bronx in New York, is a hidden gem! You know the saying, "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." That's basically what this movie is about. It's funny, charming, and touching. You get a glimpse into the life of a quintessential "close-knit" Italian family, where they're all hiding something from each other. The mother and father of this dysfunctional family are excellently played by Andy Garcia and Julianna Margulies. Don't read too much about what this film is about, or it will ruin the fun of it. Just watch it with no expectations, as I did, and I'm sure you will be glad that you did.

05 May 2012

TASTYyyy??H?ilariousgreAT

1ofmyfavori te moviesits totally y awesome ly in ter es tingThis is the type of movie to put in your pocket before you are sent to an island and watch it forever.G-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-get it. I beg of you

28 April 2012

Touching, sensitive, and funny!

In City Island, Bronx native Vice Rizzo (played brilliantly by Andy Garcia) is a man of secrets. He smokes, but doesn't want anyone to know. He pines to be an actor, even taking an acting class when his wife Joyce (Julianna Margulies) thinks he's out playing poker with the boys. And one of his biggest secrets, that he fathered a child before he met Joyce, becomes the fuse that lights up an explosion of revelations.Vince is a corrections officer (not a "prison guard," as he is quick to remind people). One day during the daily inmate roll call, he notices a familiar last name, his girlfriend when he was 19. He looks in the inmate's file, recognizes the mother's name, and realizes that he is this young man's father. He brings Tony (Steven Strait) home under a "release to family member" program, but doesn't tell Tony the reason. Tony just thinks it's a prison guard getting free labor to work around the house.In the meantime, Vince's acting efforts go in a surprising direction, as does Joyce's affections. In the end (probably as expected), it can best be described as "All's Well that Ends Well." The acting is great, and the scenes at the dinner table will make you glad you are not invited to dinner at the Rizzo residence! Overall, touching, sensitive, and funny. Recommended. City Island, by the way, is a small island in the New York City borough of the Bronx.

djsneakypeaky

28 April 2012

Flawless Comedy Drama

This movie was absolutely brilliant. From the acting to the plot andbeyond.I only became aware of it's existence after Andy Garcia appeared on TopGear last Sunday where they showed a clip, I looked on here and saw ithad a decent score (7+) so decided to watch it. All the actors play their parts well and Garcia is especially good,then again what do you expect from such a talented veteran of the movieindustry. Plenty of moments to laugh at throughout the whole film andalthough it's a lower budget movie it doesn't really matter.As you can read from the film description it's about a dis-functionalfamily and the secrets they keep from each other.Possibly the best movie in the Comedy Drama genre I've ever seen orcertainly for a while at least.Great casting, acting and writing make this film very difficult tofault.A must see!!!

25 April 2012

Bronx family dramady

The real surprise here is Andy Garcia. While this movie isn't one of those laugh-out-loud comedies, it certainly has you smiling most of the time. Garcia pulls off this "dramady" bit really well. A stereotypical Bronx (City Island) dysfunctional family yells at each other constantly and all have secrets and tell lies to one another. When prison correctional officer Vince Rizzo (Garcia) comes across his twenty-something son he had never seen before, the secrets get deeper. A really nice cast which includes Emily Mortimer, Julianna Marguiles, and hunky Steven Strait help sell the improbably story. As farfetched as it is, it is a pleasure to watch the complications develop. I really liked it.

25 April 2012

Great Movie

Great writing and plot. We watch this movie several times and our nexttrip to NYC will include a trip to the Island. It is a good use ofcomedy and good interaction between the characters that keep the flowof the movie going. Each actor plays their role very well and allshould return if a sequel is developed so the flow continues. Althoughdon't go with to many sequels as then it will ruin the movie. Great useof the camera in the panning of the scene and the background shots thattie the movie. The ending was a good flow of pulling the entire movietogether and it leads well for a follow up. Don't change the plot tomuch as it will ruin the movie.

22 April 2012

A comically dysfunctional family

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) The Rizzo family has issues. Everyone has secrets and is lying to everyone else. Vinnie, the father, is a corrections officer with aspirations of becoming an actor. But he's embarrassed by his dream, so he tells his wife he's playing poker when he attends his acting classes. His wife, Joyce, suspects that he's having an affair. Their son is exploring porn sites on his computer, while his sister has been kicked out of school and is now working as a stripper. When Vinnie realizes that one of the convicts he's guarding is his son from a relationship he walked away from before he met Joyce, he decides to bring the young man home to give him a second chance. But of course, Vinnie can't bring himself to tell his family the truth about this newcomer. However, Tony's presence shakes the delicate balance of the Rizzo family's existence, and forces everyone to confront the fear that is driving all the lying and deceit. The situations are comically absurd, and the Rizzo family is a total parody of a dysfunctional family, but their struggles provide a number of laughs. There are so many ways this story could have gone over the top, but somehow it manages to redeem itself, remaining just on this side of credibility. An enjoyable film, though probably not appropriate for younger viewers, as suggested by the PG-13 rating.

alsation72

21 April 2012

Tries way too hard to be quirky

Its almost as though someone has tried to emulate all the facets of"The Royal Tenenbaums", but here the quirky characters are somehowstale and contrived.The story revolves around Andy Garcia's character, a prison guard and apretty awful human being. When he bangs into the back of a stationarycar he bullies the victim with no shame. In the past he had left awoman who was pregnant with his baby, and when this son turns up in hisprison the real drama starts.Although many people hail this film as some ingenious piece, it is waytoo saccharine and the coincidences far too unlikely. The son in thefamily, for example, has a fetish about obese women eating; and wow thewoman across the road just happens to web-cast herself on the internetdoing just that. The story unfolds with enough yelling to make Moonstruck seem sedatebut ultimately it comes across as a corny little outing. Don't botherwith it.

Hunt Bryston

19 April 2012

Funny plot, great acting, marred by sappy shtick at the end

It's always a pleasure to see great actors doing their stuff, even ifthe vehicle leaves something to be desired. Andy Garcia and JuliannaMargulies put their heart and soul into this project, with prettyconvincing Bronx accents and characters. Those of you who find theconstant screaming unrealistic - you don't know too many families fromthe boroughs. The plot was funny and moving, although you could seemost of the punchlines and dramatic moments coming from a mile away.What really bugged me was the degeneration of the movie into the mostobvious, predictable, sappy shtick during the last 20 minutes. Thatpart was apparently written as a play rather than a film. It wascalculated to evoke a strong audience reaction, and it worked, judgingfrom the people around me in the theater. It would have been moreappropriate for a crowd-pleasing scene in a Broadway comedy. OK forthat kind of thing, but it was a jarring jolt from interesting totedious for me.

18 April 2012

Pleasant surprise, immense joy

I'm not an Andy Garcia fan and wasn't expecting much but he did very well with this film. It reminded me of how De niro can break out of heavy serious roles and do comedy. I love that this film is able to keep the parents faithful despite the quirky relationships each has. I also loved the irony and the realities of acting. All the characters were interesting and the flow leading up to the climax was well timed. It was good simple clean entertainment and had a nice feel good ending which is rare these days, Sunshine Cleaning comes to mind. It's a movie I wouldn't mind having a copy of when it's available.