Charlie Valentine

Director and writer Jesse V. Johnson who also created other classic flicks, The Butcher 2009, The Fifth Commandment 2008 and Pit Fighter 2005 has created another gem in Charlie Valentine.

Starring Raymond J. Barry who has also been in other classic flicks, Training Day 2001, Dead Man Walking 1995, Falling Down 1993, Rapid Fire 1992, Born on the Fourth of July 1989 and Year of the Dragon 1985.

Also starring Michael Weatherly.

Also starring James Russo who has also been in other classic flicks, Stiletto 2008, No Way Home 1996, My Own Private Idaho 1991, State of Grace 1990 and Once Upon a Time in America 1984.

Also starring Tom Berenger who has also been in other classic flicks, Stiletto also with James Russo, Sniper 2 2002, Training Day 2001, Born on the Fourth of July also with Raymond J. Barry and Platoon 1986.

Also starring Steven Bauer who has also been in other classic flicks, The Beast of War 1988, Scarface 1983 and another Jesse V. Johnson classic flick, Pit Fighter.

Also starring Keith David who has also been in other classic flicks, Transporter 2 2005, Requiem for a Dream 2000, Pitch Black 2000, There's Something About Mary 1998, Armageddon 1998, Marked for Death 1990, Executive Target 1997, Volcano 1997, The Quick and the Dead 1995, Gamer 2009, Platoon also with Tom Berenger, The Thing 1982 and other classic Jesse V. Johnson flicks, The Butcher and The Fifth Commandment.

I enjoyed the violence and shootouts.

If you enjoyed this as much as I did then check out other classic heist flicks, 44 Minutes: The North Hollywood Shoot-Out 2003, Bonnie and Clyde 1967, Bottle Rocket 1996, The Getaway 1972, Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man 1991, The Killing 1956, Killing Zoe 1993, Reservoir Dogs 1992, Den of Thieves 2018, Run Lola Run 1998, Stark Raving Mad 2002, Riders 2002, 3000 Miles to Graceland 2001, The Channel 2023 and The Town 2010.

I've seen Jesse Johnson's third and best movie (so far) at the "Action On Film" festival in Pasadena California. This little known cinematographic gem harvested the festival Best picture, Best action Picture, Best Cinematography and the Best Musical Score. Quite a feat for the team led by the talented screen writer and director Jesse Johnson who managed in only 18 days of filming (and with a budget that is considered petty cash in Hollywood) to come up with an action drama movie that isn't only well acted, captivating and entertaining for the action movie fans, but also adds a very human dimension to the classic gangster movie of the old days. Think of the main character Charlie Valentine as an aged Scarface who's ruthlessness and killing instincts are fading away with age and with the realization that in life there are other more important things than money, power and sex. The characters are well rounded and played wonderfully by the main characters, Raymond J. Barry (Training Day) and Michael Weatherly (Gun Shy). The cinematography is top notch - a special mention for the great camera work and image quality. And most importantly, it certainly looks like Jesse Johnson, the screen writer and director of Charlie Valentine who did an excellent job putting this story on screen, is becoming the new flag bearer of the British Invasion in American cinema. Rent or buy the DVD - you won't be sorry.

Charlie Valentine is a self absorbed and aging gangster, with a wealth of knowledge concerning the lifestyle. He searches out the son he vaguely remembers and takes advantage of the young man's desire for a father and son relationship. Don't get the mistaken idea this is a family melodrama, Charlie Valentine is a gangster film thru and thru.

While big studios put much money, star power, and effort into making standard quality gangster films like Public Enemies and American Gangster, along comes an unassuming writer/director named Jesse Johnson who, with a fraction of the time schedule and budget, makes producing a quality crime film look as easy as a ringin' a bell. Interesting three dimensional characters, solid pacing, smart dialog, skilled cinematography, well staged and believable action, these are just a few of the elements that make this an above average project. These days plenty of films sport an entire cast made up of familiar faces with name recognition, but making proper use of the talent is another matter altogether. No such problem with Charlie Valentine, as it uses it's cast to great effect. Raymond J. Barry as the titular Valentine is excellent and Michael Weatherly compliments him well, meanwhile veteran actors like Steven Bauer, James Russo, Keith David, Vernon Wells, and Tom Berenger, all step up to the plate and deliver the cinematic goods. Is this on par with the best of Scorcese or Bogart? No, though that's a very short list, but Charlie Valentine easily rises above many of it's gangster film contemporaries.

Complete piece of trash...if it wasn't for the over abundance of strippers I would have fallen asleep. I gave it a generous *3 rating due to the strippers crotch shots and the breasts "o vision used in the strip club scenes. Tom Berenger is in the film for two minutes; even he should be ashamed to let them use his face for PR on this film. The trash you get out of red box these days. I guess it was worth a dollar to see "Blondie"<----(stage name) in her Red Negligee and pumps. More pole dances and a little less attempts at acting would have made this film somewhat enjoyable, as it plays now, not recommend. The Cobra vehicle in the film is also a highlight...

Before I get started, let's just suffice to say that I loved this movie. I screened it at the AOF Festival in Pasadena 2009 and not only did Jesse Johnson do a great job making a film about a terrifically flawed but outstanding character; he did it in a way that kept the tension, excitement and power of the film moving, moving, moving. Raymond Barry was fascinating to watch as was the rest of the stellar cast, from Keith David to James Russo, Tom Berenger and one of my favorites Steven Bauer. The cast alone is worth the price of admission and if you get the chance to see Maxine Bahns in Conjurer, don't pass it up, she is great. The story follows Charlie on the lamb and in a seemingly desperate attempt to bond with his son in the process, a son who desperately wants to be like his father; or so he thinks. No spoiler here but what happens is fun to watch and a pleasure to see. I know the director and stars usually get all the credit but in this case someone needs to give a little love to the producers who took a chance and gave me one of my best viewing experiences of 2009. Great job guys!