Coney Island Cousins

A real surprise from some unknown talents. Very much in the John Cassavetes vain of a flowing, crazy, night out, the movie works on many different levels from comedy to drama. Great character actors kept it amusing and dramatic scenes from the lead actors kept me engaged. For an art house independent film I found it to be surprisingly accessible to the diverse members of my family who unexpectedly stopped what they were doing and got caught up in the film. Cinematography was good but at times the minimal budget was evident. Even so it worked seamlessly into the narrative to build an engrossing film that leaves me looking forward to seeing what Mr. Padilla will come up with next.

During a time in film when studios and producers either make a film that insults our senses with stupidity, or is so complicated you can't follow it, Coney Island Cousins is a real story that unfolds in front of you. Along with some great shots of Coney Island at night, the two main characters move through complex memories and emotions in an easy to understand fashion. The two cousins share some difficult past memories along with some difficult choices that have to be made surrounding the discovery of a dead man during a cold Coney Island night. We see in the film that it is impossible to run from everything. That isn't the answer. Bravo.

If anyone has been to NYC they know this grasps the essence of it all. Its raw, gritty, and real. You never have any idea how your night will turn out and what adventures or misadventures will ensue. Among the chaos that endures the entire evening there is a soft side to the madness and a comedy about it all, which is displayed greatly with the comedy stand up. The constant bombardment that is NYC never stops and neither does the duo on their night out. Embracing the idea that we all want to run away from it all but with nowhere to go, all you can do is hold tight and go with it. Job well done! Looking forward to Mr. Padilla's next film; I really hope there is another!

What a pleasant surprise from an unknown indie director! This scrappy production makes the most of its (presumably) small budget and cast of lesser-known actors, delivering an authentic New York vibe and a compelling, often hilarious story. The tale of two estranged cousins reconnecting for one night in a certain Brooklyn neighborhood, Coney Island Cousins packs a lot of laughs plus some real pathos into its running time. The story stretches (but doesn't break) belief, and the pacing is fast and consistent. Loved the performances of a disparate group of actors all bringing their "A" game and seeming to have a lot of fun. Definitely a fun watch, and I'll be on the lookout for more from director Al Padilla.

Coney Island Cousins is interesting from beginning to end. The international flavor is so genuine, particularly portraying the Russian community living around Coney Island. I love the suspense, dry humor and comedy effects. It also emphasizes how strong family bonds can overcome negative family issues. The method used to obtain the signature from Max, the dead man by the cousins Yulia and Val was hysterical. I loved the scene where Luscious did a stand up comedy in the middle of the chaos. The cast was very focused and the Director Al Padilla did a wonderful job writing and directing the film. I am looking forward to his next project.