5th Borough

Fantastic film packed with an incredible lineup of stars. The plot is intricately layered, escalating with surprising twists right up to the dramatic finale. This superbly executed movie definitely calls for a sequel! Recently, I've been watching more of Steve Stanilus' films, and his signature style shines through here. In the story, Niko faces a heartbreaking reality-his daughter is diagnosed with a brain tumor, and he's scrambling for a substantial amount of money. On Staten Island, choices are scarce, but one constant remains-family always has your back. More twists ensue as Niko navigates through risky decisions to secure his daughter's future.

Had a lot of free time this weekend so I rented it and it was pretty cool movie. Steve Stanulis is a super talented director and actor and i've seen some pretty bad indie films but this one was high quality with a 8 out of 10 storyline and production. Looking forward to more projects from him. Keep it up!

I didn't think it was that great but it was good enough to watch when bored at home. The acting was good, plot was over dramatic and I felt as if something was missing. Still not bad but yeah..

5th Borough opens with an emotional punch-Nikos' daughter is diagnosed with a brain tumor, and the clock starts ticking. The film sets up high stakes, but at times, the storytelling feels uneven. Some plot turns happen a bit too quickly, and a few supporting characters fall into familiar mob movie tropes. While the tension builds steadily, a deeper dive into Nikos' inner world could have made the emotional beats land harder.

That said, the film finds its stride in the second half. Steve Stanulis captures Staten Island's grit with honesty, and the father-daughter bond anchors everything with genuine heart. As the story builds toward its conclusion, it becomes clear that 5th Borough is more than a crime flick-it's about sacrifice, loyalty, and the lengths a parent will go for love. By the end, you're rooting for Nikos, flaws and all.

Good to see some of my favorite actors on my screen again. Great movie, that has a bit of everything for everyone watching. 5th borough is one of the best indie films of the year for sure!