Tra amici

This movie is a must see for young wannabe gangsters. It has a measure of authenticity that is absent from other films in the genre. The story takes you from the childhood through the young adulthood of three "friends", one of which is overambitious and jealous of his former cohert that just returned from prison (After doing a stint for the very guy that turns out to be his nemesis). This movie captures the essence of being young in an underground environment and having aspirations of criminal life. If you grew up in New York or Chicago, this movie is a must see and you will definitely relate. It also is a shining example of where "the life" can get you. That is to say.....absolutely nowhere!

I know somebody who worked on this movie -- that is the only reason I watched more than 10 minutes of this garbage. This is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. Poorly written and acted, trite, hackneyed plot, and actors who all look alike spewing the F word every other second. Somehow, this dazzled people at Sundance years ago, but I think a better quality of independent film has sprung up since then. If this were released today, it would never make it to Sundance, and would never get distribution.

For those who have a passion for mafia films like I do, this is just horrible when compared to a good movie like Goodfellas, or EVEN Scarface. This movie is about life long friends all reunited forced to work for the old guy whos club was robbed by the dimwit friends. This movie has too much talk and not enough action, and the main narrorater acts too tough. PLAIN HORRIBLE. 3 out of 10

This movie was so memorable to me that I remember the opening song, "Innocent Child". A fascinating and, for me, riveting character study of the choices and consequences that befall 3 young wealthy Jewish friends. The performances were good, but the writing was the main attraction. And the 5 towns NY setting. An 'early in her career' role by Mira Sirvino is also an added bonus (in a supporting role).

I thought the feel/atmosphere of the movie made it attractive and interesting, and the characters unique 'New York dialogue' and provincial sayings spiced up the movie. The movie had a very realistic feel for that time period/era, and is a good time capsule for that slice of life in the early 90's NY area. You will enjoy this movie, in spite of whatever flaws, because the writing/story is that good.

Did anyone else catch Johnny Drama filming the Edward Burns pilot on Entourage, and borrowing the same dialogue that Bobby (Rob Weiss, co-Exec Producer of the show) utters just before the robbery scene?

"Nobody went up there and told you nuttin. It's not the same anymore. It's different now. It's not just happenin over there - it's not just happenin over there - it's happenin here - it's happenin everywhere. All tree of 'em went - boom, boom, boom - one after the next..."

Rob Weiss didn't write that episode though - some dude named Brian Burns did. Maybe Weiss got to have some fun inserting his favorite tough guy talk from 13 years ago into that little movie within a show...