The Dukes

In this day and age of computer generated imagery and stunts above and beyond belief it is so very refreshing to see a film where the actors are allow to act. In this timeless turn by Mr. Davi nothing was placed in front of telling a good story and telling a good story well. Put on top of a good story some fantastic music that does not overwhelm but enhance and you have the recipe for success. This film follows that recipe to a "T". It would be a wonderful turn to see Hollywood take a lesson from Mr. Davi and get back to the art of story telling, and out of the business of shocking us into forgetting that there is no story. Kudos to the actors for their excellent performances and Bravo Mr. Davi for getting the job done and turning a good idea into a brilliant film.

"The Dukes" written and directed by Robert Davi was a nice slice of life movie in which I admire in European films. The characters were well defined with all the defects that make us all human. I was touched by their friendship and how they bumbled through life much like most of us. Davi approached the female characters with a surprised sensitivity. The tone of the film would seem very predictable, but I was surprised at how unpredictable it was. The film left me with a nice feeling about what is really important in life. If there was anything missing in this film, it would be there was not enough of the Dukes singing. I applaud Robert Davi writing and for his achievement in his directorial debut.

I saw the The Dukes movie last night at the Wildwood Film Festival and liked it very much. I am surprised to see it listed as a drama because I didn't see it in that light. I thought it was a good light-hearted comedy that I would recommend as a good family movie. It has a nice story about being down on your luck while trying to hold on to your dreams. I've not seen a movie with Chaz Palmenteri in a comedic performance and found him to be very funny. The movie has some really funny scenes between Robert Davi and Chazz Palminteri playing well off of each other. The music was really good too. I thought there was a nice selection of Doo Wop songs and I especially liked the music by the group, The Emeralds. It was nice to see a local acapella group featured in a really good movie. If the movie comes your way, go see it - you won't be disappointed.

As a reward for productivity, our company set up an outing, for all staff and their families, to a screening of 'The Dukes' last week. We're a mixed bunch from 6 years to 65 and as ethnically diverse as any L.A. work-force. Would the movie appeal to such a wide range of backgrounds? Yes!, 'The Dukes' was a great mix of comedy and schmaltz to make for a true family movie. Interesting to see the two key characters, Robert Davi and Chazz Palminteri in a comedy role, pulling out all the stops to vamp up their aunt's Italian restaurant and put their lives back on track. Plenty laugh out loud moments including a 'screwed-up' gold heist where the loot ends up being a bag of gold filling amalgam for teeth! Great 50's 'doo-wop' sound-track and, since the cast sing their own numbers in the film, our 'beef' was there was not enough footage of them singing! I would have no qualms about taking the kids and the grandparents along to see 'The Dukes' and, if they are Italian, so much the better….

I saw THE DUKES at the french International Comedy Film Festival located in a famous ski resort called Alpe d'Huez. The movie was great with a very nostalgic atmosphere. The audience loved it and it was great to see the actor/director Robert DAVI getting an award for his movie. There was a standing ovation and that guy was really cool ! Everybody knew him from DIE HARD or GOONIES or PROFILER. He was acclaimed by french stars called José GARCIA, Fabrice LUCHINI. The soundtrack is great. We hope the movie will be released soon. The screening was held in the main theater of the festival and the crowd was huge for the final night. This festival is the most important in France for Comedy films. THE DUKES had this nostalgic touch which made the audience happy. It was a great film selected with JUNO. Otherwise most of the films were french.