Broadway's Finest

For sheer entertainment value you'd be hard-pressed to top Broadway's Finest. It is full of clever dialogue, accessible characters, and compelling plot twists. Part "cop drama" and part quick-witted indie romp, the film works on multiple levels and will be a rewarding viewing experience for the casual film-watcher or the jaded cognoscenti of independent flicks. Admittedly, my experience as a movie review qualifies me for the "I don't know much about cinema but I know what I like" school of critical analysis but with that said, I will testify to the fact that Broadway's Finest had me thoroughly engaged for the full 90 minutes!

"Ambition is a commitment."

And the three lead characters in Broadway's Finest truly take that to heart. Their ambition? Write a play, and write it quick, because there is real money on the table via a Broadway producer waiting to produce alleged play with them as the stars.

The problem? There is no play. So, hire a writer, right? There has to be about a million of them in New York. But, egos get the best of them and they decide, "We don't need a writer."

Instead they decide to purchase guns, fake badges and a used cop car, then go undercover and pretend to be two of New York's finest. Eventually decide they need to break open the drug ring to get the depth they need for the play.

Each of the three lead actors pull off a complex script with panache and polish. Nick Cornish is Willy, who, deep down still wants to be a firefighter. He is pretty much drop dead gorgeous and delivers as much emotion with his eyes as he does with his words. John Lavelle as Goldstone keeps you guessing as to what he really wants in life. In the end the audience feels like there is room for a question mark.

But Adam Storke's "Lewis" steals the show. Intense. Troubled. Former drug user, (or is he?) Yet, despite all the negatives, Storke manages to convey a likability that has audiences really rooting for him. He is the one who HAS to be the good guy and HAS to succeed. Men will want him to be their best friend. Women will just want him.

The film is a drama, but the humor and action makes it much more. There are laugh out loud moments, heart stopping situations, and twists and turns that make you sit up and say, "what just happened?!" And moments like that are what watching movies is all about. Taking you on a ride to a destination you have no idea you wanted to get to. Broadway's Finest is the type of movie that only an indie filmmaker would be allowed to create.

Bravo to Stephen Marro, the writer/director/producer for crafting this film. Broadway's Finest has won awards, (including Best Screenplay at the Prescott Film Festival,) at festivals across the country.

This was a film full of great performances and an entertaining mix of humor and intelligence. The clever choices made by Adrienne Correa made the film tight without giving away any surprises. Stephen Marro's direction and writing kept me watching and guessing. The performances were brilliantly balanced creating relationships that had me guffawing. So glad I got the opportunity to see this film. Seen at the Hills Festival. In Litchfield CT. Chris Kerson is a scene stealer. Adam Stork takes as breath as the character Lewis and I was on the edge of my seat ready to crack up. I highly recommend this film. If it comes to a festival near you, see it!