5th Borough

Fantastic film packed with an incredible lineup of stars. The plot is intricately layered, escalating with surprising twists right up to the dramatic finale. This superbly executed movie definitely calls for a sequel! Recently, I've been watching more of Steve Stanilus' films, and his signature style shines through here. In the story, Niko faces a heartbreaking reality-his daughter is diagnosed with a brain tumor, and he's scrambling for a substantial amount of money. On Staten Island, choices are scarce, but one constant remains-family always has your back. More twists ensue as Niko navigates through risky decisions to secure his daughter's future.

Decent movie to watch with friends. Had some familiar faces and the story held up to the end. I think the editing could have been better, I felt like it was dragging a little towards the middle but regardless of that it's still a 7 star indie flick.

5th Borough opens with an emotional punch-Nikos' daughter is diagnosed with a brain tumor, and the clock starts ticking. The film sets up high stakes, but at times, the storytelling feels uneven. Some plot turns happen a bit too quickly, and a few supporting characters fall into familiar mob movie tropes. While the tension builds steadily, a deeper dive into Nikos' inner world could have made the emotional beats land harder.

That said, the film finds its stride in the second half. Steve Stanulis captures Staten Island's grit with honesty, and the father-daughter bond anchors everything with genuine heart. As the story builds toward its conclusion, it becomes clear that 5th Borough is more than a crime flick-it's about sacrifice, loyalty, and the lengths a parent will go for love. By the end, you're rooting for Nikos, flaws and all.

How far would you go for your family? That's the theme of the film and it worked. Great acting with some real superstars in this gritty and entertaining film. The ending was unexpected so make sure you watch till the end. Clever script writing with many twist and turns. Love this one...

Good to see some of my favorite actors on my screen again. Great movie, that has a bit of everything for everyone watching. 5th borough is one of the best indie films of the year for sure!