Mafiosa

With all the terrible shows that are coming out on the networks, you would think the TV execs would be smart enough to grab something like this.

Brooke Lewis is perfectly cast as the lead character. In spite of the fact that they couldn't make full use of the production value because they only had a small TV pilot budget, she still manages to shine.

If the networks could have been involved, the producers could have made a more elaborate production with a bigger budget. To add to their obstacles, they have no names involved but in spite of those hurdles, they made a terrific show! The clever part of the script is casting Brooke Lewis and Bobby Costanzo as a father and daughter of a mob family that doesn't have to go out and kill and maim anyone to survive . Costanzo and the others just continue to fumble their way along, trying to find a way to keep their heads above water -- before their organization, or what's left of it, sinks like a rock!! Brooke very subtly maintains control of her father throughout and with her brains (she went to Harvard -- Harvard Beauty School, that is) she manages to help this family survive.

An added bonus is seeing Brooke's talent and beauty which explains how she influences the members of the family. See this film and you will understand why she has impressed me so much.

I thought that the acting was very good as well as the direction, for a film which admittedly does go-over some really "tried and true" ground, I really thought that the people in it made it better than average and the directing was superb.I thought that I had found out all I really needed to know about the Costra-Nostra and being an Italian-American, that was enough for me. However this film is cute and sweet and it has a lot of heart. I believe many people would enjoy it, if they were to view it on a cable Network. CONGATULATIONS to a little show that could. The film makers should be praised for making it the best it could possibly be for what looks to be an obviously LOW BUDGET!

I saw this pilot at the film festival and thoroughly enjoyed the presentation. I was greatly impressed with the originality of having a female head of the mob and found the actress very engaging. I found the subtle patter between the characters very a funny and unique approach dialog styling. Probably, the most impressive acting was the mother figure but I found all of the characters believable. Not only was the acting good but the fast paced comedic style made this easy to become immersed in the plot. I usually don't like anything that is connected to the mob because of the violent undertones but this was actually presented in a subtle way that that I found the subject palatable. I loved the idea of a female mob boss.

I found this quite entertaining.

It was shot well and the characters were funny without trying too hard.

This should definitely have a place on a cable network.

It is superior to dozens of shows that are wasting time and space.

The two main actors, Bobby Constanzo and Johnny Williams are excellent--I can tell they have been in the business a long time.

Kudos to the writers, cast and crew. They should be proud of this show.

I thought the festival audience really enjoyed it.

I can't wait to see it in HD--that will be cool.

Thanks, RC

This was a presentation pilot which had its world premiere at the Boston International Film Festival. The acting was excellent and the film was very funny. The audience laughed throughout the entire screening. Afterwards, the producer was asked to come down and discuss the film with the audience. While it's true that the quality wasn't that good, he explained that it was shot in HD but it lost something in the transfer for the screening.

The premise was a deftly executed by two veteran actors Johnny (Roast Beef) Williams and Bobby Constanzo ("Goodfellas", "Analyze This" "Forget Paris", etc.). Brooke Lewis was excellent in her debut performance as the daughter of the mob boss (Costanzo) who wanted to take over as head of the family. Costanzo was hilarious as the delusional boss of this dysfunctional family.

All in all, it was a wonderful presentation for a low-budget pilot. I read in the trades where they are talking to several television channels about the pilot so I guess I'm not the only one who thinks this is a winning premise. I'm looking forward to seeing this series on the small screen in the near future.