Brooklyn Lobster

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 the movie at a local indie film venue in NY suburbia -- Jacob Burns films center. Audience applauded at the conclusion as did I. This is a nice film with some great performances by a solid ensemble of some well known and not so well known folks. The grainy texture of the print for me added to the experience. The dialogue was exceptional in its simplicity and feel of reality. Danny Aiello and Jane Curtin as Frank and Maureen Georgio played it real and perfectly. No they are not Tracy and Hepburn nor did they hit a false note at any time. Of the supporting cast Daniel Sauli was good, though not superb as their son Michael Georgio. Henry Yuk stood out as the Chinese business man--best friend of Frank. The rest of the cast adds atmosphere to the piece with spare dialogue that gives a sense of who they are without involving them. In sum--this is rewarding film for film lovers.

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.

Finally- a true independent film that believes that well developed characters, realistic dialogue, and a true to life story make a good film instead of explosions and potty humor.

Every performance is nuanced, every character flawed, every joke funny... and it clearly a labor of love. I look forward to when this movie is released in more theaters so I can see it again. Who doesn't want to watch something that makes you feel good in an entirely plausible context? It is nice to escape when you are the movies, but it also nice to believe what you are escaping to can happen.

I actually believed the people in this movie were a family and cared about each other. And who knew that the lobster business would be so interesting?