6/10 may be harsh, but i will not not put it up against similar production values - you have to put it up against all production values (it ain't no godfather, but it's watchable). I've seen a few magnificent cheap budget films that were better than this, and this one really could have been a great film if not for the flaws i will be detailing.
I liked the story. It was actually original, although some of the relationships were strained and unexplainable (for instance, a cold to hot leading lady just did not cut it, nor several other relationships).
Seeing Hal Linden as one of the minor support characters was a shear delight. Another reviewer here noted that there seemed to be a remarkable rift between the quality of the young and old actors on this film - and I would agree.
The two best things I can say about this film is that I watched it all the way through - and for me that's saying something. I don't tolerate bad films for any length of time. Also, the music was the very best thing about this film. It was jazzy, professional, fully integrated into the story and the scenes, and way ahead of the rest of the flawed story/acting/scenes.
One other complaint was the cinematography and staging. It was amateur. Again, I may be a bit harsh here, but the camera was often too focused, without the wide sweeps that tell part of the story, from strip clubs, to restaurants, to hotel rooms, and even a golf club. If you have good equipment, use it.
Stevie D
2016
Action / Comedy / Crime / Drama
Stevie D
2016
Action / Comedy / Crime / Drama
Plot summary
STEVIE D is a humorous crime drama about a Los Angeles construction magnate whose only son has accidentally killed a connected man. A sinister plan is hatched that sends the son into hiding while an unsuccessful actor is hired to fill his shoes and unknowingly take the hit.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
June 01, 2023 at 08:35 PM
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
Low budget, uneven acting, good story, mediocre writing, and yet a good (not great) story
Mildly engaging
As Rom Coms go, it fit the bill. The plot was interesting and the acting was good enough, but not excellent, especially the leads. Torrey DeVitto is lovely and I liked her character, though I didn't buy her change of opinions about Chris Cordone's character. He was likable as the two main characters, but I don't see how anyone could possibly mistake their totally different personalities. John Aprea and Kevin Chapman were both very good as the boss and his henchman. I would agree that it was better than most of the low budget films in this genre today. If you have a couple of hours that you don't know what to do with, you could do worse.
Charming, funny, engaging film
I really enjoyed this film. The relationships are all really thoughtful, even the hit men have loads of personality and a natural and funny rhythm with their banter. They provide a lot of genuine comic relief, and they are almost like watching a funny old married couple. I also really enjoyed the connection between Michael (the fake Stevie) and Lenny (played by the fabulous Kevin Chapman). It was fun to watch Lenny go from thinking "we're doing this poor sap a favor" if the fake Stevie (Michael) gets bumped off in their ruse...to actually putting a guard on him because he wants to protect him from getting hurt. Could it have been edited a little tighter? Sure! But given that it's a low budget film, and I've seen so many of those, I think Chris Cordone did a lovely job, and it's obvious he squeezed every bit of substance out of that budget that he could...especially with all the great casting. I loved seeing John Aprea do his thing, better than anyone else. Such a natural. And I also really enjoyed seeing the great Hal Linden! He is a treasure. Torrey DeVito is beautiful and does a nice turn as Daria. Even the characters that have less than 5 minutes of screen time make the most of what they've got and bring something engaging to the film. I think it's a refreshing and fun film, in a sea of remakes and big budget boring movies. I like movies with characters I can actually care about it...and Steve D. delivers.