Push

I remember hearing the arguments of "The Godfather" vs "Goodfellas". "The Godfather" is a gangster fairy tale. "Goodfellas" is gutty and real. I've seen "The Godfather" twice. I've watched "Goodfellas" at least 10 times.

Perhaps this movie is to "Goodfellas" what "Scarface" is to "The Godfather" "Scarface" was a drug dealer fairy tale. "Push" does have some rather stylish bad guys. But this movie has a very real gritty feel to it, ordinary Joe's selling drugs and what happens to a group of life long friends when the fast money and fast drugs comes into their lives.

I'll be interested in seeing Dave Rodriguez's next movies.

After reading some of these other comments rating this film good and even great with good acting, I am absolutely convinced that people associated with this film are installing these comments. I can understand people having differing opinions. But this movie was flat out horrible, and the acting was some kind of joke. It was like a bunch of high school kids made this movie. I almost never make comments unless I see something so bad or so great that I need to vent my feelings for spending the 2 hours. This movie was that bad. The film is so ridiculous it could be used as comedy or camp ranking right down there with Reefer madness and ShowGirls.

The reviews here seem to be divided between those who consider "Push" a 10-star masterpiece and those who say it's total garbage. First of all, there's no way in hell this movie rates 10 stars. I can't imagine why anyone would rank it that highly; and yes, one does wonder whether some of the more enthusiastic reviewers were involved with the production in some way.

But I'm just as baffled by those who panned it top to bottom and gave it the lowest possible rating. If "Push" is one of the worst films these folks have seen, then I'm sorry, but they're simply not watching enough bad movies. Much of the plot is predictable or silly, and the sets and settings are limited and unimaginative, but the atmosphere is enjoyably tense throughout (helped by excellent, nervous editing), and the script is, for the most part, sharp and tight. There's quite a bit of overacting---the cast may have watched "Scarface" one too many times---but it never falls below professional level. No Pacinos here, but a talented young cast doing a solid job.

I found "Push" in the local bargain bin for $2, and fully expected to watch it (or part of it) once, then sell it back to the store for a buck. Instead, I'm keeping it.

In a time where Independent filmmakers strive to be different, we often wonder sometimes why young or first time directors make the decisions that they make. I've seen rookie directors make the same mistakes over and over. Trying so hard to be different that the audience just does not get it. Not so with "Push". On April 1 I checked out the movie at Method Fest and quite honestly was taken in by this remarkable first outing by Rodriguez. The performances he was able to pull out of these experienced and inexperienced actors took my breath away. The movie is brilliantly paced and it just stays with you at the end. Chad Lindberg, Pierce Forsythe and William DePaolo are brilliant and the rest of the known and unknown talent are just plain talented. Hats off to the cast and director for a memorable first outing.

I'm looking forward to seeing many more dramatic pieces from Rodriguez.

It's a good thing to see a new director taking his job seriously!

What's next man?

The acting in PUSH was amazing. It was compelling and it made me fall in love with all the characters. Chad Lindberg took his acting ability to the highest level possible. Paul Ben-Victor and Michael Rapaport were hysterical. New comers Pierce Forsythe, William DePaolo and Chris Jordon prove that they belong in this industry with their wonderful acting. Chazz Palminteri was superb as always. This dramatic masterpiece is perfectly directed and performed. This is the best ensemble cast I have seen in an Independent film. I can't wait to see what Director Dave Rodriguez does next. He is the hottest and sexiest new Director in Hollywood.