Staten Island (2009)

The Worst Film Ever

I wanted to but couldn't!

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Written and directed by an arts school student who has watched and re-watched every second of every Lynch/Tarantino movie and scrawled spidery and precise notes in an exercise book... late at night.Blue Velvet meets Pulp Fiction. Vincent D'Onofrio does an excellent job but must be aware of the cinematic crime that's being perpetrated in every frame. I'd rather watch him in MIB.Ultimately goes nowhere and makes no sense but is always utterly convinced of it's own art-house cool and doesn't care where all it's ideas originally came from. Beneath the gloss and slick there is sadly no substance.

For most of the citizens of the New York area, Staten Island will be that remote place where the ferry that runs from Manhattan ends. It is a shame, because the island offers other interesting aspects not found in the other four boroughs that comprise the metropolitan area of New York City. Staten Island is also a place where mafiosi men have gone to settle with their families because it offers them an incentive for being away from the obvious sites associated with organized crime.Three lives are examined as they touch each other in of all places, a small deli in Staten Island. There, as if by chance, we meet Parmy Tarzo a man that wants to become the head of the crime industry in Staten Island. We also meet Sully, a man working for a septic tank company with his own share of knowledge of dirty things. Finally, Jasper, a deaf-mute cold cuts employee with a knack for carving in that section of the old fashioned Italian deli.What Parmy does not know is that in planning to become the boss of bosses, he has stepped on his own crew members ambitions of working on their own. He has a surprise coming to him. One night, while driving, he is ambushed by a hired man. His car plunges into a river, but since he has been practicing to hold his breath under water, he survives the crash with only minor scratches. Little prepares him when he witnesses the man who tried killing him with his own trusted men. As a way to stay alive, Parmy decides to join the protesters trying to save a big tract of land that has been sold for commercial development.Sully is a young man happily married. Not having been able to get his wife Mary pregnant, he takes her to one of the best hospitals where he learns about an interesting way to create highly intelligent children with an unorthodox method for achieving it. Since the treatment is costly, Sully decides to steal money from none other than Parmy, whose home he has visited while servicing the septic tank. In the botched robbery, Parmy's mom gets injured, so her son wants revenge.Finally, Jasper, known as Jas, the deli worker, a man with a gambling habit, gets lucky in hitting a "trifecta" that rewards him with a lot of money. Since his needs are limited and realizing Sully is in a bit of a spot, he contributes toward Mary's treatment. Unknown to us, Jas has a secret no one has a clue of what it is. Parmy and his men come to him when they need a procedure that only Jas, who cannot talk about it, is able to perform for them.The film was an unexpected surprise that paid in many ways. Director James De Monaco, a Staten Island native, wrote a screenplay that works well in the film. The stories overlap one another without overwhelming the narrative. The three men, although knowing the others, have no direct connection in the way the action takes them to. The only reference as to how they are connected comes at the beginning of each story when Mr. De Monaco gives the viewer a hint of things to come.Vincent D'Onofrio is an actor that always surprises. His Parmy is an earthy man that enjoys his food, as well as ordering a killing. He is a welcome presence in any film where he is cast. Ethan Hawke plays young Sully, a man with an ambition for his yet to be born son. Seymour Cassel, a veteran actor that always delivers, is one of the best things in "Staten Island". We do not get to see much of Julianne Nicholson, who is also an asset in everything she does.With a cinematography by Chris Norr, and a musical score by Frederic Verneres, the film is enjoyable. Credit should go to Luc Besson, a director himself, who has been backing talent such as Mr. De Monaco and others that need to be seen by discerning audiences.

The movie might try to be a little bit too clever for it's own good, but it still kinda works. The tone might be a bit shifted at places, but for a low budget thriller, this is pretty good. The acting is decent, the story rolls along nicely.But something is still missing to make it great. While all the stories told are quite appealing (for one reason or the other), it is just too much coincidence and too much confidence in a few things. Although the end might be a little bit more rewarding for some than others, you could and should give it a try, especially if you like those sort of movies in general.

I watched this movie because one of my friends insisted me to. I have to admit that I didn't expect much in this movie at first but it turned out to be a great movie.First, the characters are well-developed. You can not expect a stronger or more convincing performance from Seymour Cassel. I think he definitely deserves an Oscar for this cast. Ethan Hawke is just as great. I can see in him a father who is, well, a little dumb but loves his wife and his unborn kid with all his heart.Second, about the plot. The story is quite slow and easy-flowing. Some may find that it makes you feel kinda sleepy. But trust me, the more you watch this movie, the more you will find it entertaining and meaningful. I can not promise that you will love this movie but I believe that it will make you feel relieved and relaxed. I myself smiled at the end of the movie and thanked my friend for having introduced to me such a touching movie. If you are still hesitating whether you should watch this movie or not, hesitate no more. Watch it. Strongly recommended. 9/10.