Apostando Alto

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.

PLOT: Three low-level Bookmakers are looking for a quick fix to get out of some hot water with a local "dick" who is after them to reclaim money that his brother took from him and subsequently lost gambling. The bookies take "a tip" from a sympathetic freak, and all hell breaks loose.

I rented this movie because the cast looked amazing, and it didn't disappoint. The plot line seems at times a bit dis-junct, but even when the story slows down, it opens up room for some brilliant performances. John Turturro is rarely seen at this level....a cross between the "wired / freaky" guy he plays in the Coen Bros films, but here he displays a sympathy that is rarely seen in this kind of character. The bookies are headed off by George DiCenzo, who almost steals the movie....Michael Badaluco (recently on "The Practice") and John Spencer round out the trio. In a scene that makes the film, Jimmy Smits is great in a cameo as a gambler who can't pay. Scott Glenn takes yet another turn as the cop who seeks retribution.

There are few gambling-mafia- type movies that offer a sincerely comical look at the world of low-level wise guys (without avoiding the cliche's that you find in almost every knock off of a Scorsese film) this film manages to pull it off, and is at times very funny in the process.

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 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.

I rented this video because of the impressive casting, thinking it might be an amusing gem. Ha! As I watched, I thought....this movie must have been made a long time ago- like before these guys ever had acting lessons. Boy was I surprised to find out that this movie was made in 97, well after most of the actors had good reputations and choice roles. I guess this proves that bad directing can make even the best actors look pretty terrible. I rated this movie a 3. It did have a little bit of witty dialogue and it was kind of fun to watch famous, well known actors be so awful, in a perverse kind of way.