Brooklyn Lobster

I saw this film at a screening in LA recently and truly enjoyed it. Genuine and full of heart, and I thought the acting was terrific. I don't know why Danny Aiello hasn't had more leading roles before this, and I was impressed by Jane Curtain in a drama since she's really only been in comedies, like SNL. Once I was immersed in the story, I really felt for these characters, and I could definitely identify with the son's conflicted feelings of loyalty towards his dad and his dad's business. No matter what happens, you will always love your parents, but often times there are things about them that drive you crazy and make you swear you'll never be like them. I thought this movie was well-written -- the dialogue seemed like conversations between real people, not trite like a lot of Hollywood movies. Nice to see an indie that you can actually relate to.

Frank Giorgio, the owner of a lobster place in Brooklyn is facing the possible loss of the business that has been in the family since the 1930s. To make matters worse, his own marriage has failed before his own eyes, as Maureen, his wife of many years has decided she has had enough, and moves out. Frank's life, as he knew it, is coming crashing down on him. One of the solutions for his problems is to sell the business to a franchise restaurant who wants the location, but being so proud, it is something he doesn't want to consider. His own sense of loyalty to the place his parents dedicated their lives to, plays heavily on his soul.

All this is happening around Christmas. Michael, the son who has left Brooklyn to make a name for himself in Seattle, returns for a visit with his fiancée, the gorgeous Kerry, whose family is rich and might be interested in investing in his father failing business. Michael is torn between his own ambition about the company he has established in the West Coast, or come to the help of his old man.

"Brooklyn Lobster" was a rare surprise to find the other night on cable. It's a story written and directed by Kevin Jordan, who evidently knows what he is talking about, since it appears it has some biographical slant to it. The film involves the viewer because the situation at the center of the story feels plausible. It's a different kind of story without following any formula.

Mr. Jordan was lucky in finding Danny Aiello, an actor that always projects honesty in his work, to impersonate the older Giorgio. Mr. Aiello is one of the best reasons for watching the film, as he pulls us into the story without any effort. Daniel Sauli is also good as Michael, the son who has left, only to come back and finds out things are not good at home. Jane Curtin, a rarely used actress, plays Maureen, the wife that has decided to move on, rather than to stay with Frank, yet, she still stays close to home.

This is a film that feels real from beginning to end thanks to the solid writing by Kevin Jordan and his clear view of a family in trouble.

I saw this film at the Union Square screening and was simply thrilled to see a film for people over 35 years old. WE STILL GO TO THE MOVIES! I saw this with my sister who is getting up there (okay she's 48..Sorry :) We both had tears in our eyes at the end. To sit in audience and have this experience go on a ride that has adult characters going through real situations. Who decided to kill this for us?? They've already killed CBS FM what's next?! We have DVD players too! I love my Netflix account. This pushing us out to pasture while the fart joke movies dominate makes me sick. I still want to go to movies. This movie had such a warm natural cadence. Jane Curtin and Danny Aiello were simply a real married couple that have been through a good deal of sh** together. They still had love but a past that showed many bumps, many choices and all in their eye contact. It was a wonderful ride with a REAL FAMILY! Felt like mine but Italian not French/ Irish!! :)

It is rare to see these days such a true to life film. the director delivers an extraordinary story of the truth of the human character. The depth of passion expelled from each look and each frame is amazing. Never have I seen such truth put on screen.

It is the way of the world, It is the truth of the hardship of living.

Based on a true Brooklyn story about an Italian family in the middle of some rocky patches.

The lines and thoughts stay with you long after the movie has ended. The characters just felt like people that I know. People with real problems nothing melodramatic which was nice to see.

This film begins with a son returning back to Brooklyn to spend the holidays with his family. The timing stinks, however, since his dad is about to lose his business and his parents are splitting up. Because of all these pressures, this is definitely NOT a "feel good holiday film" nor is it as uplifting and happy as some reviews make it appear to be. I really think that the reviews are mostly a bit too positive. Considering most reviews give the film a 9 or 10 and the overall rating is just over 6, my review might just be more in line with the average viewer.

I am a sucker for independent film productions. Having gotten tired of all the glitz and special effects in a typical Hollywood film, I deliberately seek out plot-driven films where characters actually are important (a crazy concept, I know). So it's not at all surprising that I watched BROOKLYN LOBSTER. However, in hindsight, I wish I probably hadn't because the main character (played by Danny Aiello) is a very selfish jerk. At times you can understand and sympathize with his plight, but even if times were good, he STILL would have been a jerk. And because he is so integral to the plot, the overall impact of the film is diminished. Watchable and full of good acting, yes, but still not particularly outstanding or fun to watch.

Also, be forewarned--the language is a tad intense at times. The easily offended should probably stay clear.