Apostando Alto

Obviously some people didn't see the same movie that I did. Wonderfully funny and incredibly sad. Loved the perfect ending, and the casting?- wow! Well done like all the movies that John T is in. Yet another extremely underrated actor!!

I liked this, although it is far from perfect. It's an ensemble movie, three or four separate story lines that all come together in an ending that is totally wrong, but never mind. I liked Dicenzo and his two illegal bookie cronies, their operation looked real to me, and if John Turturo's character was a bit inconsistent -- one moment a moron, the next just a bit backward -- and if Jimmy Smits' participation (I like Smits and his starring position on the video cover was a selling point) was disappointingly brief, there are enough good things in this to keep it interesting. It's mix of 'real' violence and slapstick is another inconsistency, but there is enough in the dialogue and the performances - DiCenzo is particularly good -- to keep it watchable throughout.

I had never heard of this movie before until a friend of mine told me had a copy. When he told me about who was in it...I was blown away that I never heard or read about it. Anyway, with no real expectations, we viewed it. Both of us had the same reaction...all in all - pretty good! It had some problems (don't most movies?), but there was so much more good than bad. The performances were great and I liked the story. The script could have used another re-write (some of the dialogue was just out in out...well...let's just say...could have been better), but the Director definitely (a first timer?) knew what he was doing. His shots were innovative and the various locations in New York, although probably used before, seemed new and fresh. A New York that exists, but rarely seen. Reminded me of the sets in Wolfen. I love films that show a city, used over and over in countless other movies, in a new light. Plus, always keep in mind...it's the Director that elicits the performances from the cast. I'm sure it didn't hurt that he had a terrific and talented cast to begin with. A dreamcast. Anyway, if you can find it...I recommend it.

On a scale of 1-10...a strong 8.

Considering that LESSER PROPHETS has a score of 5,3 and just 10 reviews, I thought it was going to be terrible but instead was merely ok, and being a fan of some of the cast members, I knew I had to bit the bullet, and I did.

It's an ensemble movie with four separate story lines (a bit reminiscent of PULP FICTION actually) where the police have three bookies under surveillance but they show up elsewhere. Leon (John Turturro) knows them and gives them a tip on a sure thing and they bet the farm, and in the meanwhile he befriends the kid of his next-door apartment that has his mother (Elizabeth Perkins) often abused by her husband who himself does some robberies from time to time with his partner Iggy (Scott Glenn). After various troubles they will all come together with another murder and some money.

I liked the performances by Turturro, Perkins, Glenn, George Di Cenzo and Mike Starr, but what brought down this movie for me was that some of the characters' actions were a bit inconsistent, and the editing looked a bit rough. Still, it falls in the time-passer category.

This movie is mainly about three mature men who are bookies partners and Leon (John Turturro),a little slow guy, who gets involved with them to win a lot of money to help a friend who is going through a bad time, but things are going to get complicated.

I didn't like "Lesser Prophets". I think the biggest mistake was giving to much time to the character of Leon, whom i found annoying. I would have given much more time to the three bookies whom I found very entertaining, specially Jerry who is the leader one. In this bad movie the only one who really shines is George DiCenzo's performance as Jerry, he should play in a mafia movie, he would be great.

I wouldn't recommend anyone to watch this movie.