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Meet the Rizzos, a family that might get along a lot better if only they could tell each other the truth. Dad Vince is the worst offender. But since the prison guard won t even admit that poker night is in fact acting class, how is he ever going to explain about his illegitimate son? His daughter works as a stripper when shes supposed to be in college, while young Vinnie Jr. has a secret sexual fetish that involves a 24-hour webcam and the familys neighbour. Vinces wife Joyce is the family s rock, but it s been a year since she enjoyed intimacy with her husband, and it s no surprise she thinks poker night spells A-F-F-A-I-R. When former prisoner Tony enters the Rizzos lives, Joyce begins to suspect that the handsome young Tony isn t who Vince says he is. City Island is a funny, touching and smart family tale about the secrets of the past catching up with the lies of the present, and accepting that nobody s perfect - least of all your loved ones.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By R. A. Mansfield
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
Never heard of this movie before? Me neither till I was sent it. Which, as far as I'm concerned, is a huge pity. This reminds me a lot of Little Miss Sunshine [DVD] [2006], in that it's all about a family who fundamentally love each other, but are all carrying their own secrets, quirks and hang-ups.
Andy Garcia plays a born-and-bred New Yorker, Vince Rizzo, who is a prison guard by day, but has ambitions of being the next Marlon Brando, so is taking acting classes on the side, telling his wife Joyce (Julianna Margulies) that he's going to poker games.
While at the classes, Vince meets Molly (Emily Mortimer), who tries to help him see a way through his current crises.
Meanwhile, Vince also discovers that his son Tony (whose wife he ran out on) is banged up in his prison, so he brings him home without telling anyone who Tony really is (least of all Tony).
Add to that, Vince and Joyce's kids who have their own things going on and you have the set-up for what is effectively a cleverly-written, gentle farce, albeit one set in New York.
The unravelling of the various plot strands is not exactly subtle, but the gentle humour comes from the way that the dialogue is delivered (particularly Garcia, who I never realised was such a good comedy actor) and the performances from all the characters are all very believeable and well-judged.
It's a shame that this didn't get a proper release in cinemas in the UK, as it's the sort of film that would have done well through word of mouth. I chuckled consistently throughout and found it to be a great way to pass 90 minutes.
This isn't Oscar material, but it's a thoroughly feelgood movie and one that deserves a wider viewing. Highly recommended!
Andy Garcia plays a born-and-bred New Yorker, Vince Rizzo, who is a prison guard by day, but has ambitions of being the next Marlon Brando, so is taking acting classes on the side, telling his wife Joyce (Julianna Margulies) that he's going to poker games.
While at the classes, Vince meets Molly (Emily Mortimer), who tries to help him see a way through his current crises.
Meanwhile, Vince also discovers that his son Tony (whose wife he ran out on) is banged up in his prison, so he brings him home without telling anyone who Tony really is (least of all Tony).
Add to that, Vince and Joyce's kids who have their own things going on and you have the set-up for what is effectively a cleverly-written, gentle farce, albeit one set in New York.
The unravelling of the various plot strands is not exactly subtle, but the gentle humour comes from the way that the dialogue is delivered (particularly Garcia, who I never realised was such a good comedy actor) and the performances from all the characters are all very believeable and well-judged.
It's a shame that this didn't get a proper release in cinemas in the UK, as it's the sort of film that would have done well through word of mouth. I chuckled consistently throughout and found it to be a great way to pass 90 minutes.
This isn't Oscar material, but it's a thoroughly feelgood movie and one that deserves a wider viewing. Highly recommended!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By L Kemp
Format:DVD
I watched this film as I had nothing else to do or watch on the TV, and boy, I was glad I did! This is a real gem of a film. One of them films you never really think is any good, but is actually very well made and funny. I'd watch it again. The sheer comedy value of the situation these guys are in, is hilarious. It's easy viewing too.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By joojeh99
Format:DVD|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
I hadn't really heard of this film, yet so glad I watched it. It's a tale of hidden family secrets, with Andy Garcia pulling the plot together beautifully as his role as the father in this film. of course the film has to have a sterotypical "English person" played by Emily Mortimer which was a bit overdone but worked well with the contrast of a Bronx Family and all their issues. Loved Julianna Margulies depiction of the insecure yet tough as nails matriarch and the story was sad and touching at times, and laugh out loud at others.Funny refernces to the Godfather and De Niro given Adam Garcia's part... altogether really a great film, watch it- highly recommended!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this film.
Bought this on DVD after seeing it on Sky by chance, had never heard of it. Not a big budget film, came out as an independent. Such a funny yet unassuming film. Fantastic acting. Read more
Published 25 days ago by catwoman72
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant film
This film was unexpectedly insightful, funny and layered. I first saw this film on digital and had to buy it for my sister. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Stevie
4.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Charming
Such a wonderful light-hearted film with plenty of comic moments and just as many sentimental ones. The characters are uplifting with plenty of depth. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Ashleigh
4.0 out of 5 stars
Decent, refreshing indie movie with good cast...
Andy Garcia with a heart? True - here he's an average, flawed but decent and at times vulnerable family man, who has more success communicating with his charges at the correctional... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Tim Kidner
4.0 out of 5 stars
City of Secrets
I came to City Island with no pre-conceptions and left fairly impressed.
Andy Garcia is obviously the name banded around to sell the product and he shines here as the... Read more
Andy Garcia is obviously the name banded around to sell the product and he shines here as the... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Paul B
5.0 out of 5 stars
Depth and Diversity
A truly great film with multi-faceted scenes and such a diverse story. Such eccentric dark humour with a complex look at family and all of its problems.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Published 17 months ago by N. Alterskye
5.0 out of 5 stars
A real gem
I knew nothing at all about this film when I picked it up. I took a punt on it as I have always liked Andy Garcia as an actor - indeed, I believe he is one of the most underrated... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Grr
4.0 out of 5 stars
Effortlessly funny and uplifting
By 'uplifting' I don't mean some empty, cheesy, breezy flick - I think it's because there is actually plenty of drama (even if it's wrapped firmly into a comedy), and characters go... Read more
Published 19 months ago by El Zilcho
4.0 out of 5 stars
A secret worth sharing
It's one of the great myths of modern movies that independent cinema is a bastion of quality amid the indistinguishable derivative formulaic mainstream studio product. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Trevor Willsmer
2.0 out of 5 stars
Tv Film
Andy Garcia is a decent actor but what he is doing in this, I don't know. The story is bland, the other actors are amateurs at best, the comedy falls flat every time. Read more
Published 19 months ago by I Like Cheese
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