First, the only real redeeming value I found in this film is that I grew up and lived in the areas that 75% of this film was shot at, for 35 years. 31st Street in Astoria NY, LIC, Queens Blvd., Woodside, Sunnyside and some in Manhattan. Seeing the old Hood was cool but, barring that, the film was contrived and clearly in the "B" movie category.
The Protagonist/Director, Did a pretty good job but that's where it ends. Clearly he is the only talent in this mess. The antagonist is about as menacing as a bad pimple. In that neighborhood, (or any in NY for that matter) if a guy like him acted the way he did in real life, he would have had his head handed to him 10 minutes into the film. (Based on his "bad guy" portrayal) The story is a familiar enough one that rings true as I've had friends in similar situations (illegal and trying to gain citizenship) via any means possible. But, to believe a guy steps into a cab and brings the driver (who he has never met) into his world of drug dealing, murder, prostitution etc., is ridiculous. The fact the film tries (and fails miserably) to get the viewer to believe that those scenarios really happen clearly tells you the director has never dealt with the streets before.
Perhaps, for some Park Ave. spoiled kids this might be believable, but, for anyone who grew up in any major metropolitan city to believe this is a far cry from truth. As the saying goes, "where there is smoke there is fire"....regarding this film, someone should have doused these flames by the second act!
If you can view this film for free, then give it a shot, otherwise, don't spend a dime. It's a fairy tale, not a crime thriller.
The Protagonist/Director, Did a pretty good job but that's where it ends. Clearly he is the only talent in this mess. The antagonist is about as menacing as a bad pimple. In that neighborhood, (or any in NY for that matter) if a guy like him acted the way he did in real life, he would have had his head handed to him 10 minutes into the film. (Based on his "bad guy" portrayal) The story is a familiar enough one that rings true as I've had friends in similar situations (illegal and trying to gain citizenship) via any means possible. But, to believe a guy steps into a cab and brings the driver (who he has never met) into his world of drug dealing, murder, prostitution etc., is ridiculous. The fact the film tries (and fails miserably) to get the viewer to believe that those scenarios really happen clearly tells you the director has never dealt with the streets before.
Perhaps, for some Park Ave. spoiled kids this might be believable, but, for anyone who grew up in any major metropolitan city to believe this is a far cry from truth. As the saying goes, "where there is smoke there is fire"....regarding this film, someone should have doused these flames by the second act!
If you can view this film for free, then give it a shot, otherwise, don't spend a dime. It's a fairy tale, not a crime thriller.