New York City Serenade
2007 [DUTCH]
Action / Comedy / Drama

Plot summary
Two down on their luck childhood friends struggle to figure out their lives. Ray a drummer in a rock and roll band, and Owen an aspiring film maker spend most of their time working menial jobs and drinking. When Owen's fiancé Lynn breaks off their engagement he finds himself spiraling, and allows Ray to come along with him to a two bit film festival he has been invited to in Kansas. There Owen makes several attempts to patch up his relationship, while Ray scams them into a deluxe suite at the local Four Seasons hotel by posing as Wally Shawn's son (who happens to be receiving a lifetime achievement award) and generally causes a major ruckus. By the end, Owen decides to make some changes in their relationship and in his life.
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
Enjoyable some of the time
Great story that does not deliver
Let's discuss the New York City Serenade. An obvious attempt at sincere drama of the independent flick, we have two friends of a history of knowing themselves too well. One friend dreams of success in the film industry and the other is simply drifting through his life hoping he can find the strength to make his daughter proud. However Owen (Prinze Jr.) has succumbed to a mild diva attitude often without realizing he belittles Ray (Klein). Ray tries to joy in his life as a rundown drummer and he feels lacking in area as a father to his and his ex-wife's daughter. When a night of inconvenience spurs from partying the selfish Owen cheats on his fiancé and attempts to cover it up. When it is found out during a funeral trip for a distressed friend, Owen's fiancé dumps him for her professor as she constantly ignores his attempt to get her back. When the short film the two friends created is selected for a award nomination the two make a trip to Hollywood. Despite his lack of adult maturity, Ray is actually trying to grow to better himself and due right by his family and friends but Owen only sees negatively of his attempts to salvage their friendship. After the fun is over, it becomes clear the problem is not each other individually but clearly them as unit. Some people are just not meant to be together and they part. Ray manages to pick up his life and even reunite with his daughter permanently and Owen manages to succeed in filmmaking, however it is apparent that Ray is the only one who has found happiness as Owen has still not seen past his selfish and shallow ways as he misses his friend who is better off without Owen in his life.