Tag: Alessandro Nivola

The Many Saints of Newark

The Many Saints of Newark

“The Many Saints of Newark” sort of takes you back to when Anthony Soprano was growing up. Anthony grew up during the most tumultuous eras in Newark’s history. He became a man just as rival gangsters began to rise up and challenge the all-powerful DiMeo crime family’s hold over the increasingly race-torn city. Caught up in this whirlwind time is Anthony’s uncle Dickie Moltisanti whom he idolized. Dickie Moltisanti struggled greatly to manage both his personal and professional responsibilities. The influence he has over his nephew will help make Anthony into the powerful mob boss that we all came to know as Tony Soprano. Basically, this is the prequel to “The Sopranos” that appeared on HBO for many years. 

The movie is dark, unnerving and a bit pathetic. I found myself gasping at times at some of the scenes.

The movie is executed very well, but not that engaging or entertaining. The cast of characters is spot on!!

If you are a fan of the HBO Series “The Sopranos”, “The Many Saints of Newark” should not be missed.

“The Many Saints of Newark” is in theaters and also streaming on HBO MAX.

This is a 2 ½ Star Movie!!

A Most Violent Year

“A Most Violent Year” opened in limited release on New Year’s Eve. After a month it finally opens nationwide this weekend.

Set in 1981 New York, a year that has been historically categorized as the most violent year of the city, Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac) an immigrant and his family try to capitalize on the “American Dream”. Abel owns a thriving business, but the violence and corruption threaten him, his family and all that they have tried to build. Abel and his wife Anna (Jessica Chastain) find themselves defending their business and their version of the “American Dream” to a New York Police Detective (David Oyelowo) who is charged with investigating Abel’s business. The story unfolds from there…

“A Most Violent Year” is an understated, straight forward, no nonsense, mildly intense dramatic film.

There are several good movies out right now. “A Most Violent Year” should be considered amongst them.

This is a 4 Star Movie!!

Selma

I don’t give 5 stars to a movie lightly…That being said, “Selma” deserves all of the “Oscar” buzz, “Golden Globe” buzz and “Best Picture” buzz that it has been receiving.

Keeping in context the subject matter, “Selma” was brilliantly executed and deeply moving. The events of Selma and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Civil Rights crusade are given new light. The brutality portrayed in “Selma” will move you to tears. If you feel anything after seeing “Selma”, the movie will have done its job. David Oyelowo’s portrayal of Dr. King is superb.

The movie is quiet and understated, yet brilliant.

“Selma” is a must see!

This is a 5 Star Movie!!