Review by planktonrules

If you are looking for a happy of fun film, then by all means do not watch "Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God...Be Back by Five". While it has a few funny moments, the film also has a dark tone and much about it might leave you feeling a bit depressed. Unlike most films, however, it isn't afraid to tackle depressing subjects and simply accept that there might be nothing you can do to change things...and that is also one of the film's strengths.

The story begins with a prologue...showing what life was like for three kids growing up in New York City as well as how they met and how they drifted apart. Now, a decade has passed and Stan (Rick Stear) seeks out his friend Daniel (Jon Cryer) because their old pal, Richie (Rafael Báez) disappeared some time ago and Stan heard a rumor that Richie might be hanging out around Coney Island. So the pair of very unlike friends go to Coney on a most unlikey day...it's cold, it's overcast and it's practically empty. And, they spend the day meeting odd characters and following leads that might take them to Richie...who is now apparently homeless and mentally ill.

I appreciated the film mostly towards the end. Up until then, I was somewhat indifferent about it. But Richie's plight and mental health issues were handled so realistically that I had a lot of respect for the picture...especially in light of my own background as a social worker and psychotherapist. The writers got this part right....and didn't offer any trite ending where everything is magically resolved...like too many Hollywood films. In addition, the film featured some lovely performances and is well worth your time if you don't need explosions and action but value studies of people.