Under New Management

I saw this move on The Movie Channel tonight- and was truly amazed at the high quality of videography and acting. I wanted to come to IMDb to read more on the director-- Joe Otting-- and the actors-- as many of them i recognized but couldn't place quickly-- yet all were incredibly talented.

This is really just a movie with a lot of heart. It's a feel-good movie that takes me out of the stress of the day- and makes me believe again in holiday magic, love and the art of movie making.

New York City, which is a city near and dear to my heart, is another character in this movie. Mr. Otting did an incredible job with sweeping camera pans that showcases the city. He made New York and Brooklyn mirror the growth of the mob guys who are under pressure to clean up and shape up. He also turns the city streets and restaurants as backdrops to a classic star-crossed love. It felt like a modern day Romeo & Juliet or rather West Side Story, but with a unique and funny mob spin. This movie really had it all- laughs, love, sorrow and excitement. It was definitely a rush from start to finish. Very captivating.

Perhaps my one regret was that the movie ended. i would love a sequel, where we see the lovers together, perhaps in a different city backdrop, working together on a new challenge/opportunity. These are characters you love- that you care about- and like a very good book- at the end you want more. I can still hear the well-written banter of the two stars as the car drove off to the sunset- and i was clinging on to every word. I would love to see this movie again- and would love to see these characters again. In my opinion, ten out of ten stars. Worth every second.

Under New Management, a wonderful take on the Mafia genre, concerns a socially conscious Wall Street Yuppie named Robert Monte (played superbly by Chris Diamantopoulos) with ties to the mob. Raised by his uncle, a capo, because his own father was whacked, he honors said uncle's dying wish to reform his crew by helping them go legit and generate enough revenue to pay a mob debt, lest they all meet their demise. Robert forms a real-estate company and the wise guys turn into real-estate agents. On their road to legitimacy, they find it helpful to occasionally return to their mob roots when they need a little extra boost to pull something off. All this happens under the watchful eyes of a couple of FBI agents, one of whom is a beautiful, Irish woman played by Kelly Overton; her relationship with Monte forms a major subplot that keeps you wondering whether she wants to put Monte away for life or have his baby. The movie is a drama mostly played for laughs, and I found it brilliant and hysterical, with Monte continually comparing the Mafia to Wall Street: "Bernie Madoff made you guys look like shoplifters." What's so funny is how true his opinions are. When the gang grumbles about paying taxes, he points out to them, would you rather pay taxes or lawyers? Pay FICA or do prison time? A rich cast of pros (many you will recognize from forays on The Sopranos), supported by an intelligent script by Denis Hamill made this a winner for me. I don't plan on erasing it from my DVR anytime soon.

I just came across this movie yesterday and watched it again a little while ago on the tube. What a LITTLE GEM of a movie!! Very well done, Great Plot line and Terrific Acting!!!

The two main characters were charismatic together and the secondary were funny and entertaining.

I am now FRANTICALLY trying to find WHERE I Can BUY this movie??? I went searching on the web and called a few video stores only to find, THIS MOVIE must not have been Released for sale yet??? Does Anyone out there own it and if so where did you find it? Do you have ANY information on this movie? Terrific movie should have been a theatrical release.

Stumbled onto this remarkable little film while channel surfing and couldn't stop watching. A beautifully shot film, excellent performances, and a cast you can't help but love. I don't recall seeing any ads for this film in the theaters, nor did I see any advertisement on the cable channels. I don't know why this film hasn't been promoted 'cause this film is brilliant. This is independent film making at its best. The cast consists of familiar but essentially unknown actors - but each and every role was perfectly played. The chemistry between all the players will make you want to know more - one of the reasons I came to IMDb looking for it - and you'll want to watch this movie more than once. I guaranty the two leads, Chris Diamontopoulis and Kelly Overton, will be big stars. Watch this film now on Showtime. You won't regret it.

I happened on this movie while surfing the cable movie channels and became intrigued because of the location. My son lives in Clinton Hills and much of the film is located near his apartment. After getting over being able to recognize many of the locations I settled into the body of the movie itself. It turns out this quirky mob vs. mob vs. FBI/ fated love story was pretty good. It covers all the permutations and combinations of Cosa Nostra territorial tensions, FBI related RICO investigations, young generation - older generation lifestyles and love between diverse cultures. It turns out it was certainly worth watching with credible acting performances by a relatively unknown cast. It just shows you what you can get for $1 million if you put your mind to it. I would be happy to watch it again.