I gave this film an 8. Maybe it's just because I happen to think Giovanni Ribisi is an exceptional actor, but I really did find this to be a surprisingly good film. The one thing that didn't sit well with me was the idea that James Marsden is the star. That's simply a misnomer. He is a decent actor and does give a professional effort, but I just do not see him as the street-tough Philly kid he's supposed to be. Maybe this is a bit cynical, but there really wouldn't be much reason for a woman to watch this movie if not for somebody with good looks like Marsden playing the lead character and gracing the cover of the DVD. Hey, don't get me wrong, Piper Perabo has made me watch a movie or two that I regret, so it definitely goes both ways. Still, I could have done without the forced romance angle that they really tried to pull off between the two of them. But overall I definitely would recommend seeing this film for Ribisi's performance if nothing else. As he ages he's beginning to play some much darker, grittier characters which suits him very well. His versatility is astounding, especially his ability to maintain a level of sympathy no matter how many misdeeds he commits. Check this one out if you're a fan of the genre, it will hold your attention and may surprise you a bit as it's much more than just the former Marine forced to return home in order save his family from a couple of corrupt cops trying to extort him.

I saw this film a couple weeks ago at the Pittsburgh premiere. I had been waiting to see this movie ever since Sept. 04 when I was cast as an extra for the strip club scene. Luckily, I made the final cut of the film for a couple seconds. Anyway, the film itself is a unique mob tale that utilizes the acting talents of James Marsden, Giovanni Ribisi, and Brad Renfro. I was pleased with James Marsden's performance because it showcased his ability to carry a leading role in a movie instead of playing supporting characters like Cyclops in the X-Men movies or Lois Lane's husband in Superman Returns. Giovanni Ribisi's performance was commendable as well. Even though this was a decent mafia movie, it doesn't hold a candle to The Godfather Parts 1 & 2 or Goodfellas. There were a few problems with the film such as the unnecessary cameos of Val Kilmer and Tommy Lee. Also, I felt Lesley Ann Warren's performance as Aunt Tina was a little annoying and over-the-top. Lastly, my biggest complaint was that the story is supposed to occur in Philly, but in the background of one scene you can see a Budweiser billboard with the Pittsburgh Steelers logo on it, which is the absolute last thing you would ever find in Philadelphia. Despite these minor problems, the film is a well-made piece of cinema that shows the great acting abilities of the up-in-coming stars of Hollywood. The story is compelling as it weaves the loyalty of family and friendship with the seductiveness and deception of the crime world. This movie is definitely worth seeing.

Ribisi is always good and he gives a great performance. I can;t say the rest of the cast does. The mother character is nothing too special and the lead is mediocre. The whole mob feel gets lost when Tommy Lee makes his appearance. It starts out with the cliché, voice over done by the lead character as all mob movies do. There is no real description of the rise of Joey(Ribisi's Character) to mob boss. It was a story based on a Philadelphia mafia, I was thinking Joey Merlino but I guess not because of the ending. All in all the movie was not that bad. I recommend "Gotti" or "Goodfellas" first though. No major players in this one but it will hold your attention. I wish there was more story of the kids growing up into mob guys but they skip that and head right into adulthood.