City by the Sea

City by the Sea (2002)

  • 48% of critics liked it
    (141 reviews)

  • 40% of users liked it
    (15,444 ratings)

A man struggling to come to terms with the sins of his father makes the terrible discovery that his own son has fallen into a life of crime in a drama based on a true story. Vincent LaMarca (Robert DeNiro) is a dedicated and well-respected New York City police detective who has gone to great lengths… More

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R, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By
Michael Caton-Jones
Written By
Ken Hixon, Michael Caton-Jones, Frank R. Pierson
Genres
Mystery & Suspense, Drama
In Theaters
Sep 6, 2002 Wide
On DVD
Feb 18, 2003
Warner Bros. Pictures

Critic Reviews

  • Peter Rainer, New York Magazine

    A compendium of clichés about fathers and sons.

  • John Anderson, Newsday

    A film that doesn't just support the action to come, but makes it seem inevitable.

  • Desson Thomson, Washington Post

    De Niro's workmanlike in a dismayingly familiar role.

  • Stephen Hunter, Washington Post

    I like everything about it except it.

  • Claudia Puig, USA Today

    It's a run-of-the-mill cop thriller but also a gripping family drama.

Read all 12 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Melvin W


    Vincent LaMarca: How'd we get this way son? I remember the day you were born.  Joey: Yeah? Well, I remember the day you left. So we're even.  "When you're searching for a killer... the last suspect you want to see is your son." This is a very average movie… More

  • Manu G


    When you're searching for a killer... the last suspect you want to see is your son. Good movie. Very good acting role by Robert De Niro as always brings his best. James Franco did a superb job too as a junkie on the run. The story was sad and depressing in a way and I can… More

  • Conner R


    Not one of my favorite movies from Robert De Niro, but it is a decent film none the less. It has a lot of good casting choices, especially James Franco who did an amazing job. The story is a little weak, but it's mainly due to the reputation that comes with De Niro.

  • Anthony L


    A really good film that totally looses it in the last 15 minutes. De Niro isn't up to standard and Forsythe is terrible as Snake. McDormand is wasted but Franco is quite good! Nothing special though!

  • Lady D


    A film that questions family loyalty and doing the right thing. Strong performances by De Niro and McDormand and an intriguing story.

Read all 13 featured audience ratings

Cast

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Trailers & Clips

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