Wasted Talent

What a mess. This overall story is a mess. A complete mess. I am not here to share my opinion on whether or not he is guilty or not guilty. I would rather review the documentary overall. I thought the story could have been laid out better. It bounces around from A Bronx Tale, to heroin usage, and then recovery. It's all extremely odd the way it flows. And then the documentary is centered around a group of friends, so being former addicts themselves, trying to clear the name of the main subject. I think that's where the documentary goes wrong. It's not enough interesting content about the character to really hold the viewers attention.

Lillo Brancato is a person whose story I am familiar with, and wanted to know a little better. I'm only a half an hour in and already it's going back and forth in time between the crime, and the story of his early life, and how he got the role in "Bronx Tale". There's an interview with a former correspondent with CNN that was not only poorly placed but went on about 5 minutes too long. Also for some strange reason there's a guy who looks like a male model changing the focus on a still camera crouched behind Lilo the whole way through. Extremely odd choice.. obviously a friend or relative of the cop director; it's very off-putting and for whatever reason they constantly include him in the 2-shot every time they show Brancato being interviewed by the director. It's only 67 minutes, but I'm bailing at 43 now.

I loved A Bronx Tale and thought this documentary might be one-sided in favor of Lillo Brancato. However, the director did an excellent job presenting both perspectives, including insights from those close to Lillo and the NYPD officers involved in the tragic incident. I highly recommend this documentary.

It's heartbreaking to see such talent go to waste. Lillo's story is a tragic one, but it's well worth watching. It's a powerful reminder of life's unpredictability and the consequences of our choices. Watch it to believe it! The depth of storytelling truly captivates and leaves a lasting impact.

Why would this fellow who was warned multiple times, who had the foundation for success in his hands, who listened to two very accomplished actors (yes I mean Mr. Palminteri too not just Mr. De niro) working the entire time with him on the film and this little weasel decides I am going to be a big fat loser who plays with guns and hangs with cop killers and steals someone's stuff for drug money? I can understand why Mr. Palminteri didn't want anything from you, loser. You are a deceitful selfish man and sure you can play the part of a naive young man growing as a person but while you were good onscreen not a damn thing in that movie even what you read in your narration meant anything to you, not one thing. Brother, where is your loyalty?

I lost interest in about five minutes. I have no idea who these people are except for Lilo Brancato. Why was an ex-NYPD officer doing a documentary about someone involved in the killing of one of his own? I couldn't get past that. I saw this as a publicity push to shine up Brancato's image and that will never happen. To be sure, many people told him as he spiraled out of control that he was wasting his talent but he CHOSE that path anyway. I want no part of his egocentric comeback. Officer Enchautegui will not have that opportunity.

Poorly made, poorly executed, poor choice of subject. I wonder who paid for this?