Once Upon a Time in Staten Island

Heartfelt 80s dramedy with the release of Rocky III at it's center. Multiple storylines are almost too much but the director makes them work. Watts and Cannavale give their usual solid performances but Frank Grillo shines. I have become very impressed with the way Grillo can make seemingly impossible acting tasks look believable and he really comes through again. Keep 'em coming Frank.

I actually loved it. A family human interest and coming of age drama. And yes, all families have some crazy drama whether they want to admit it or not. A little over the top in some areas. But I found quite entertaining with some not so bad acting. In truth. With a few changes I think it could've been a great comedy.

I remember seeing Rocky III in the theater when I was ten. Let me tell you, it WAS a major event. It was sold at out and we convinced the theater to let us in so we actually stood up in the back of the theater to watch it. It was the only time I stood up in a theater and it was totally worth it. Which brings me to this film. It definitely brought up feelings of nostalgia and I love how it didn't flinch away from the way people talked to each other back then. It was a heartwarming coming of age story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

One family, three completely separate plot lines. Not a bad concept but somewhat disjointed. Yes, the acting was pretty good. Question though, would a mother actually react to her son the way she did in this movie? I disagree with some of the other reviewers, though. Anyone who uses terms like "liberal agenda" or "woke" would seem to have an agenda of their own.. Frank Grillo and Bobby Canavale were excellent.

If you don't understand that Rocky is life, don't watch this film. If you do, it's terrific. Bravo to the writer. The acting is solid. Cheesy when it needs to be, heartfelt as well. Beautiful scene between mother and son. It's worth a watch.

Rocky IS life.