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.

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.

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?

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.