Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God... Be Back by Five (1998)

43% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
56% of users liked it
(104 ratings)

Richard Schenkman, who debuted with the disappointing The Pompatus of Love (1996), returned with this comedy-drama, set on the streets of Brooklyn. When young Richie (Rafael Baez) vanishes, rumor has it that he went insane at Coney Island, so pizza guy Stan (Rick Stear) and pawnshop clerk Daniel… More Richard Schenkman, who debuted with the disappointing The Pompatus of Love (1996), returned with this comedy-drama, set on the streets of Brooklyn. When young Richie (Rafael Baez) vanishes, rumor has it that he went insane at Coney Island, so pizza guy Stan (Rick Stear) and pawnshop clerk Daniel (Jon Cryer, who co-scripted with Schenkman) spend a winter's day searching for their childhood friend through the deserted amusement park. They encounter a variety of locals in their wanderings, while flashbacks fill in the story of past events, including Stan's alcoholic escapades which ended his relationship with Gabby (Ione Skye). Shown at the 1998 L.A. Independent Film Fest. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Richard Schenkman
Written By: Richard Schenkman, Jon Cryer
Genres: Drama, Comedy

On DVD: Jan 15, 2008

Critic Reviews

Brent Simon, Entertainment Today
A rather bracing if awkwardly conceived drama of redemption... [whose] desolate landscapes and lonely, howling winds worthy of Nicolas Roeg's Walkabout combine [for] the look and feel of the world's most desolate shoe commercial.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Too much of the film seemed to have no place to go, just like the misinformed tourists who go to Coney in the winter and find that the Cyclone ride is not in service.

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