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| Movie Review: A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints Alternate Title: Mean Streets
Story: You Can't Go Home
Again would have been another good alternate title for this engaging
first film by director and writer Dito Montiel based
on his own book of the same name. Montiel's tale of the mean streets of Astoria,
Queens in the 1980's is right on the money. How he existed and how he
managed to get out of his preordained path to nowhere in his family's
blue collar existence is told through flashbacks. While the story is
not new, the way he tells it is very interesting. His life was prescripted
until he meets a school pal who opens his eyes to the possibilities
of leaving the neighborhood. This determination to move is seen as a
betrayal by his family and friends. His return to Queens after a twenty year absence
to try to convince his estranged father to go to a hospital for treatment
is his re-entry to the streets and his old life. If you life coming of age films that take place
on the gritty side of town - this film about family, young love, dreams,
violence and redemption is for you. Acting: Shia LaBeouf is an interesting
young actor. I have my eye on him. Chazz Palminteri
as the father was great as was Dianne Wiest as the
mother. Channing Tatum as Antonio was terrific and
reminded me of a younger Brendan Fraser. Melonie Diaz
as the young Laurie and Rosario Dawson as the older
Laurie were both great. And finally, Robert Downey, Jr.
can do nothing wrong in my book. He is always good. The entire ensemble
cast worked well.
Predilection: None
Critters: One of the characters is a Manhattan dog
walker so we get about six cute doggies
Food: Sandwiches
Soundtrack: Terrific
Visual Art: The visual style of the film was totally
believable including all of the details in the Astoria, Queens apartments.
Theater Audience: About 25 other people looking to
recognize their saints.
Weather: About half the film takes place at night
and the rest of the time it is hot, hot, hot summer.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: There are some spurts of violence that
are unnerving.
Drift Factor: I was tuned in for the entire time.
Predictability Level: moderately high
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Perhaps a screenplay nod from another
source.
Nit Picking: There were some times when I needed
subtitles.
Big Screen or Rental: Either would be fine but I always
recommend supporting the Indies. Robert Downey, Jr
is a fine actor. For some of his other work try renting: A Scanner
Darkly, Good Night, and Good Luck,. Heart and Soul, Wonder Boys, Bowfinger,
Restoration, Only You, Natural Born Killers, Short Cuts, Heart and Souls,
Chaplin, Soapdish, Chances Are, True Believer
Length: Under two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 7 |