The Reel Deal
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints(Rated 'R' - Lang., Sexuality, Adult themes) - starring Robert Downey, Jr., Shia LaBeouf, Dianne Wiest, Rosario Dawson, Channing Tatum, Chazz Palminteri, Melanie Diaz
Directed by Dito Montiel
I did not know what to expect, but whatever it may have been, I got more! Consider a combination of West Side Story(without the dancing), Saturday Night Fever(without the dancing), and Thirteen(a more recent expose on young adult behaviors and parental ignorance/neglect!) Powerful acting from Robert Downey, Jr.(Dito Montiel) as a 35-year old author, confronting his adolescence after 20 years away from the 'hood,' with even better performances by his supporting cast - Diaz and Dawson(young and grown-up Laurie), as Dito's girlfriend; Palminteri and Wiest, as Dito's parents; Shia LaBeouf(young Dito); and Tatum as Antonio, Dito's angry and abused friend. Expect some Supporting Academy Award nominations!
Told mostly in flashback sequences, a down-trodden, mid-1980's NYC barrio is the setting for this coming-of-age cast of misfits. The individual rage and consequential behaviors are more than forewarning to the present generation experiencing similar circumstances in ever increasing numbers.
This film is intense, not for everyone, and certainly is an alarmingly accurate depiction of what is happening in present day society - and I highly recommend it! When it is over, you may not recognize your Saints, but you will certainly count your Blessings!
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