Back to Manhattan

This film was the perfect combination of Funny and HILARIOUS! Rob Reilly really knows how to serve up a good time, for his audience. If you haven't seen this film, then you are missing one of the greatest times you have ever had, while in Manhattan! Who would believe this film was made on such a tiny budget? If I wasn't told...I wouldn't. Reilly is pure talent, that I am sure we can expect more great works like this from. The acting was phenomenal and equaled the writing, cinematography, music...Every aspect of the film made it worth sitting through. I sat through it 12 times so far (I own the DVD) and I STILL go and see it when it screens in theaters. Get "Back to Manhattan" It's well worth the trip!

I just finished watching the DVD copy of Back To Manhattan and I enjoyed it! As a low-budget, independent film, I think it was very well done. Considering the film was shot on a shoestring, I think the exterior scenes in New Jersey and Manhattan were quite good and the director, Rob Reilly, kept the story and the cast going at a brisk pace.

Eddie Sicoli and Paul Dunleavy were wonderful as the two mobsters out to get their money. Their comic timing was excellent and their interaction with each other and the situations they were involved in were very funny. Michael MacKewice as Jack provided the perfect comic centerpiece as an average Joe who unwittingly finds himself in misunderstandings and mix-ups. MacKewice's character was reminiscent of a Harold Lloyd or a Buster Keaton innocently getting intertwined in amusing and outrageous mishaps. The rest of the performers were fine, however the three leads were definitely the standouts.

The film had sort of a Martin Scorcese look about it without the weight and gravity. It was simply a fun and enjoyable film to watch. I think the director Rob Reilly has quite a talent as a director of film and he and the three actors mentioned have great potential for success in major motion pictures in the future.

Ordinarily many independent film makers skew towards the shockers, horrors, mind twisters, bizarre, abstract, etc. Rob's film is a refreshing film in a genre that has to be one of the most difficult to produce - comedy.

The premise and character development is fun to watch. A guy running around NY with a baseball bat to get signed by his favorite star while his girl is shopping at Massey's. A loan shark and his protégée on a normal day of collecting getting side tracked with a chance of love. A bride and groom thrown into the mix provide for a climactic and hilarious ending.

As I understand it, BTM film was produced film style using a Cannon DV camera and a computer to edit. Check out the Directors Commentary on the DVD. It's pretty cool with a lot of film making tips.

Overall I give the film a 7. With more directing and technical experience, money and time and perhaps better talent, it could have been easily a 9. The script is pretty darn good. From a director and his first time out of the gate, quite an impressive job. A fun movie.

David

Hi, I am new to the Film/Acting Industry, however, I Know a good storyline and directing when I see it. Rob Reilly is a new, fresh and talented director. Keep your eye on Rob Reilly for he is the new wave of the future in film-making. His characters,especially of, Frankie and Paulie remind me of the Honeymooners with Jackie Gleason and Art Carney, what a Breath of Fresh air. I have watched this film 6 Times and it is always a blast to see again. Don't hesitate to check it out. I would recommend this film to anyone in film Making looking for a "Breath of Fresh Air" . My favorite character in the film is "Frankie" he cracks me up. He looks like a real gangster with class. I love this film! What more can I say... 10+ stars for Rob Reilly keep it coming baby. Looking forward to your next film, "Frankie and Paulie's Big Scratch" slated, as per the website, (www.cinemook.com) scheduled for preproduction in 2008. Alfred Di'Como

Cinemook films presents "Back To Manhattan," Writer/Director Rob Reilly's debut feature film, and I gotta say I am really impressed. I watched it for the fourth time this week. It gets funnier each time! How can I describe it? Let's see... it's kind of like "The Sopranos" meets "Seinfeld" with some Three Stooges slapstick thrown in for good measure.

It's a day in the lives of two low-rent Wiseguy knucklehead Loansharks named Frankie and Paulie, played brilliantly by Eddie Sicoli and Paul Dunleavy. Paulie is the kind of guy who gets chocolate all over his face eating an éclair -- he enjoys practical jokes... like tormenting world weary Frankie with the novelty toy "Alien Recorder," a mimicking device, and trying to pick up girls with the worlds oldest and awfullest one liners -- "I may not be Fred Flintstone, but I'm sure I can make your bedrock." Believe it or not Paulie's pickup techniques work on Donna aka Ami Colon, who sets Frankie up with her amazon gal pal Sue Fox so the foursome can go on a double date in a brief subplot. But the film is mostly about Frankie and Paulie's adventures trying to collect a debt from Johnny and Stevie aka Justin Allen and Steve Devito, two deadbeat nitwit barflies who cook up a hair-brained get rich quick scheme in an effort to avoid hot water. Things only get worse for John and Steve as they woefully attempt purse snatching and muggings, only to be rebuffed at every turn.

A parallel story line in New Jersey introduces us to die-hard Mets fan Jack aka Michael MacKewice and his well meaning knockout girlfriend Karen aka Lora Pfeiffer. Jack is a likable but hapless schmo who has the uncanny ability to always be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Karen drives Jack into the city to return her bosses loaner car, they go separate ways and agree to meet later. As the story unfolds Jack is mistakenly perceived as a masturbating motorist, a mustard spraying troublemaker, a bat wielding thug, a wedding crasher (literally), and a boobs staring pervert. Of course Jack really isn't any of these things, but try telling that to the angry mob chasing him through the streets of New York City. Mayhem ensues as this comedy of errors plays out to a surprising and funny conclusion.

Reilly's run and gun style of film-making is very compelling, always keeping the audience interested and involved and wanting more. The film was made for a mere $18,000.00, and I had a million questions about how this is even possible, but most were answered in the DVD Director commentary section, which is almost as entertaining as the film itself. There's fun facts, trivia, and technical tidbits. For example: did you know it's OK to shoot hand-held in NYC, but you needed insurance and permits to use a camera mounted on a tripod? Or that when Rob Reilly rented two Petty Cabs for chase scenes, he also hired their drivers (Richard Warner and Eyzar Derrick) as actors? You'll also no doubt really dig the grunge soundtrack, especially tunes from Jason Morphew.

Move over John Sayles, there's a new sheriff in town, and his name is Rob Reilly. The BackToManhattan.com website says a sequel is in the works called "Frankie and Paulie's Big Scratch" -- really looking forward to that and more from this bright young Director. Congratulations on your film-making debut, Rob -- this one's a keeper.