Real Gangsters

Been meaning to catch this film on Rogers on Demand and finally got to do so last night. I've heard a lot of good things about this film and did some research on it after I watched it. This film was written and directed by Frank D'Angelo! I was surprised to read that someone with no film history or film experience pulled something like this off. It was pretty great and thoroughly entertaining. I liked the breakdown of stories intertwine the lead characters, the friendships and the animosity that played a large role in the feel of the film. Would have liked the film to be longer and tie off some loose ends for me but maybe thats what made this film so good. I liked the acting. I felt the characters were strong and realistic. Overall I thought this film was entertaining!!

Finally got to watch it. I loved this film, watched it twice on the weekend. This is not a sugar coated mob film. Need to accept it for what it is - an entertaining action flick with a sprinkle of realism. The film is very well shot, visually enticing with good acting. How can you go wrong with a seasoned cast like Robert Loggia, Steven Bauer, John Savage, Margot Kidder, Nick Mancuso and many more. Also surprisingly Frank D'Angelo for a first time film performance was particularly good in his role. Lots of intense scenes with drama and classic crime scenarios that I have not seen in other mob films. I really likes some of the scenes where they threw in a few lines of Italian dialogue, it really hit home with me being of Italian background. It's not a big budget film but it's an entertaining film. I recommend it.

If you're looking for a candy coated mafia movie like the Sopranos, then this movie is not for you. Real Gangsters is more realistic, almost like reality TV the way it was shot. Usually I don't expect much from independent films but I had the opportunity to view this film in Hoboken and was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't a typical mafia movie it was edgy and gritty with in your face drama that kept you at the edge of your seat with every scene because you did not know what was coming next. Yes, the language was a little harsh at times but that's what added to the realness. I love gangster movies and this was one that I would see again.

I watched it on Rogers on demand with my girlfriend, for her the language was a bit too much, but for me I was right into it, because mob movies are one of my guilty pleasures. This movie felt real because I know guys that actually act and speak like some of the characters in the film. For the most part, the director pulls this one off pretty well, at least for what kind of movie he was trying to direct. I read some reviews (mostly women) who did not like the movie, we'll if you're expecting a love story forget it. Real Gangsters doesn't pretend to be something it's not, it's a mob film through and through with a lot drama, violence and good performances by a great cast. Enjoy it for what it is!

This is a terrific movie by a brilliantly gifted actor, writer and director, Frank D'Angelo. The acting is superb by all that do their parts. It does have its flaws, but not many. It is enthralling to watch, especially D'Angelo's acting - he's just a huge bad-ass in the extreme, but totally captivating to watch. However, the movie could have been so much better if there had been sharper plotting with twists and turns. There is one scene in the movie that is hugely influenced by Pulp Fiction (and a steal from Tarantino's writing) - you'll know it when you see it. This could have been one of the best gangster movies ever if it had shifted up gears another level. It's no Goodfellas or The Godfather, though it is most definitely worth watching for D'Angelo's acting alone. I'd say he's every bit as good as Joe Pesci in the acting stakes and every bit as psychopathic. Brilliant movie. Go see.