Robert Joyner
The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
strategytraining
What a marvelous discovery! I saw this film tonight on an obscure TV station in Croatia, where I now live. When you throw in a bunch of Italians trying to make a movie about life and love in a close-knit Italian family you really have to hit the high notes not to make it predictable--batta bam, botta bing! But Marmo and crew kept you laughing and engrossed with a loving take on leaving, losing and discovering what's important and why. The pans against the movie are surely defensible, but with such poorly written, badly acted, terribly edited, overblown "blockbusters" like Interstellar and anything to do with The Hunger Games, how refreshing it is to see and listen to believable characters, a plot that makes sense and editing that keeps you fully engaged instead of shaking your head wondering what the hell was that? We're all so jaded with production values and big budgets it's good to remember that small, independent films like West of Brooklyn still make magic. Buy it, enjoy it, and pass it on~
Cosmoeticadotcom
The acting in the film is wildly variable. Marmo, and old warhorses like Torres and Costanzo do quite well in their parts. The scenes of Sebi handling his mother's death, and holding her, then nothing, in that bed, from an overhead shot, is quite emotionally revealing, and shows Marmo and Cistone at their best, and one just wishes that all of the emotions and direction of the film had been as stellar. There are some good supporting performances, starting with the few brief scenes of Cavalieri's Joey, whose warmth, charisma, and good looks make him a presence on screen. How this actor has not made it in a bigger way is beyond me. The same could be said for Fioravanti's Donna, who goes from a smartass bitch to a grieving friend and woman of some insight. And it's not because the role is written that way, but the looks and glances that Fioravanti imbues her character with. The third unexpectedly good performance comes from Pupello's emotionally desperate Grace, who appears in only two brief scenes, but nails an archetype while also putting real pity into her character. The rest of the cast is quite mediocre, to be generous- with the worst offenders being Madio's stale Jimmy Boy, and Jackson as Maddy's father, giving absolutely no life to his curmudgeon. The film score, by Michael Sherwood and Carl Saunders, is top notch, and not too schmaltzy nor too obvious in giving away emotional cues, and well scored by Marmo's wife, Wendy. The cinematography, by Florian Stadler and Daniel Stilling is good throughout, with a few moments of high quality, starting right from the fire at Papo's, which plays under the credits, and economically propels the characters' diaspora westward. The film also suffers from, especially in its first half, too much narration. Sebi is not Woody Allenesque in his powers of observation, and more annoying Daniel Stern from The Wonder Years, and cutting this by 30-40% would have helped, but the overall screenplay, by Marmo, ranges from solid to good.West Of Brooklyn is not a film that will change one's life. It lacks the artistry to be great, and too much of it follows the banal paths of yore. But, at its best, the film subverts many expectations, and showcases Marmo as a genuinely multitalented artist: actor, producer, screenwriter….but NOT poet! It is the sort of work that I, on a personal level, like stumbling upon, as I have with a number of self published books I've reviewed. It is also a film that aptly shows the seeds for later potential, and on that basis, as well the others mentioned, it's worth viewing.
DPatts
I saw this film over a year ago and loved it and wanted to show my support. I find it interesting that another reviewer(did you actually see the movie) took the time to research every reviewer for this movie in particular. You have something against the filmmaker or have nothing better to do with your time than bash and criticize.I happen to be a HUGE Ronnie Marmo fan, saw the play, and loved the movie. I hope that meets with the approval of this reviewer. I don't know what else to say except I adored the film and the actors. God forbid someone actually like Ronnie and the rest of the cast. The horror of it. Perhaps the reviewer should spend their time reviewing films they really watch versus spending time criticizing what they know nothing about.
l-roige
WOW...I was so impressed by this movie...I don't know where to begin. I loved the story line...I felt like I knew the cast for years. You have the people you love and the people you hate. Not because I am Italian or anything...LOL...I happen to think it's a FANTASTIC Movie...the love scene it HOT, HOT, HOT and the narration done by Ronnie is incredible. I can't say enough about this movie. I've been following Ronniew for many years...and I think this is his BEST work yet!!! The story line and the hidden messages were unbelievable. I don't want to give it away, so when it hits the BIG SCREEN you will go and see it!!!! There are a couple of things I can about it...You will cry, laugh, get angry and feel as if these people are your family. It is as intense as it is funny. I can't wait to see Ronnie at the Oscars...You DESERVE it...this is a masterpiece.
