The Dukes

"The Dukes" written and directed by Robert Davi was a nice slice of life movie in which I admire in European films. The characters were well defined with all the defects that make us all human. I was touched by their friendship and how they bumbled through life much like most of us. Davi approached the female characters with a surprised sensitivity. The tone of the film would seem very predictable, but I was surprised at how unpredictable it was. The film left me with a nice feeling about what is really important in life. If there was anything missing in this film, it would be there was not enough of the Dukes singing. I applaud Robert Davi writing and for his achievement in his directorial debut.

In this day and age of computer generated imagery and stunts above and beyond belief it is so very refreshing to see a film where the actors are allow to act. In this timeless turn by Mr. Davi nothing was placed in front of telling a good story and telling a good story well. Put on top of a good story some fantastic music that does not overwhelm but enhance and you have the recipe for success. This film follows that recipe to a "T". It would be a wonderful turn to see Hollywood take a lesson from Mr. Davi and get back to the art of story telling, and out of the business of shocking us into forgetting that there is no story. Kudos to the actors for their excellent performances and Bravo Mr. Davi for getting the job done and turning a good idea into a brilliant film.

What a refreshing, surprising and heartwarming movie! The chemistry of the the actors, the story line, the laughs, the touching moments, friendships/family, and the unexpected...all of that and more with "The Dukes". Robert Davi's first time as a Director was a pleasant surprise. As an actor he pulled off a complex person who has many levels and portrayed that with grace and ease. Peter Bogdonovich played the role of the Dukes manager brilliantly. The music was great and perfect for the mood and the experience of the scenes. What struck me was that whatever age someone is I think people can relate to the experiences of each of the characters...if not them...for sure someone they know. It just reminded me of whatever age we are there are parts of us that never grow up...and who wants to?

The Dukes is a story about former Italian American Doo Wop stars (Davi and Palminteri) who have devolved into a dead end existence working in a family Italian restaurant as short order cooks, under the close supervision of their strong willed aunt. Their wish to revive their career seems self evidently hopeless as their droll and equally devolved manager (Bogdanovich) gets them one ridiculously funny--and absurdly degrading--opportunity after another--only to have the group fail in getting any work.

Due to both desperation and a series of very amusing coincidences, Davi and Palmintieri conceive of a ludicrous plan to heist a large shipment of gold. Here, the plot twists begin to take over and command the audience. A combination of Murphy's law, misguided trust,and an hilarious botched implementation bring the group back down to earth. And back to an even more seemingly hopeless devolved state than where they began.

Through a series of tragicomic realizations the group learns what they already knew--hard work, self pride, and real focus is their only hope. But the writer/director Davi could not let them off that easy. They need to be comically punished again, and again....until he finally lets them of the hook in a terrifically funny and satisfying ending.

Saw this film at the DGA, great performances, heart warming, and very funny. Some classic moments, great chemistry between Chazz Palminteri, Robert Davi and Peter Bogdanovich. Miriam Margolyes is great as Aunt Vi, a role she normally would not be thought of. Elya Baskin is hysterical. Frank D'amico, who i have not seen before, is terrific. Eloise DeJoria combines sensitivity with a subtle comedic quality. Melora Hardin, from The Office,hits just the right tone as Danny's(Robert Davi)ex-wife.Bruce Weitz,Elaine Hendriks and Joyce Westergaard are all terrific. This is Robert Davi's first time directing and he does a fantastic job. The film has many twists and I could not predict where things were going ,which I normally do very easily.I laughed as hard in a few places as I ever had. The blending of pathos, humor and believabilty are rare these days..A MUST SEE