Featured Audience Ratings

• William D

  
  I've only been trying to see this movie for 20 years. It finally came to the top of my netflix queue. What a wonderful little movie this is -- and so authentically New York. This is probably the last real New York movie before the bizarre and depressing takeover by the WASP haute… More
  I've only been trying to see this movie for 20 years. It finally came to the top of my netflix queue. What a wonderful little movie this is -- and so authentically New York. This is probably the last real New York movie before the bizarre and depressing takeover by the WASP haute bourgeoisie that started in the 1990s and has now been complete -- at least in Manhattan. The real New York is now only in Brooklyn and the rest of the outer boroughs. But if you want a taste of what real Manhattan used to be, check this film out. It oozes love of NY from every pore. It's a bit slow at times. The editing could have been more taut. But the story is fantastic, focusing in on two lower-class neighborhood boys (played beautifully by Mickey Rourke and Eric Roberts) whose deep love of each other is challenged by a series of excruciating complications that stem from their pathetic attempt at a heist. This film should be thought of as a companion to 'The Godfather.' The supporting cast is incredibly good, including Geraldine Page and a large group of unknown actors. Director Stuart Rosenberg ("Cool Hand Luke," "The Drowning Pool"), who died in 2007, deserved more recognition than he got for this. Thank you, Mr. Rosenberg, for this touching NY gem. My favorite line from the movie: "WASPs, they outgrow people. Italians, we outgrow clothes, not people."

• Jim H

  
  Two restaurateurs turned thieves pull off a heist but anger the mob. Mickey Rourke was damn attractive in his younger days, and his talent, on full display in this film, makes his career's eventual fizzle all the more tragic. His performance in this film doesn't sink to the… More
  Two restaurateurs turned thieves pull off a heist but anger the mob. Mickey Rourke was damn attractive in his younger days, and his talent, on full display in this film, makes his career's eventual fizzle all the more tragic. His performance in this film doesn't sink to the depths of cliche the way some New York gangster portrayals do, remaining subtle, understated, and honest. Eric Roberts complements him perfectly with a performance that dances back and forth and around the line between over-acting and portraying a crazy character. The film, however, ends without resolving many of the conflicts it constructed along the way, and the deus ex machnia is so obvious that it's almost unpredictable. I would have been okay with the ending if the rest of the film didn't have so much grit, epitomized by Rourke who always seems like he's one step away from insanity. Overall, see this film to appreciate Rourke, what he was, what he still is in films like The Wrestler, and what he could have been.

• Tony G

  
  Substandard; Roberts overacts; Rourke overbroods; predictably plotted; haphazardly directed. Other than Page, no one bothered to realistically convey emotion.

• Derek D

  
  This film almost lost me with how utterly annoying Eric Roberts is in it. But, he's an integral part of this story about family bonds and friendship and a burglary-gone-wrong in the center of it all. Rourke was a rising star at this point and showcased his trademark smooth style.… More
  This film almost lost me with how utterly annoying Eric Roberts is in it. But, he's an integral part of this story about family bonds and friendship and a burglary-gone-wrong in the center of it all. Rourke was a rising star at this point and showcased his trademark smooth style. Points also for Frank Vincent being in this.

• Lanning :

  
  The summer wind came blowing in across the sea . . . <p> Mickey Rourke's best performance ever. Might be Eric Roberts best ever as well. Can't beat that Sinatra sound. This is another one that looks back at <i> Saturday Night Fever. </i>

• Nicky M

  
  Decent family/mob-ish movie based in New York's Little Italy in the mid 80's. Mickey Rourke is fantastic and Eric Roberts shows a flair for where he could have gone as an actor (even though his character is BEYOND annoying) and great to see Burt Young chewing up the scenery… More
  Decent family/mob-ish movie based in New York's Little Italy in the mid 80's. Mickey Rourke is fantastic and Eric Roberts shows a flair for where he could have gone as an actor (even though his character is BEYOND annoying) and great to see Burt Young chewing up the scenery as Bedbug Eddie. The problem with this film is the overall timing and lack of any sort of rythm. At times, it goes completely over the top. It has also dated rather poorly particularly when compared to the other more impressive mob flicks.

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