Pinocchio Groenhout The plot and problem to be overcome is set very clear from the start of the film. The communication problem faced by everybody today and which is responsible for so much pain is a very actual issue in modern times, where we do not listen and our minds are clouded by our own professional struggles and occupations and that is why we need a film to express this issue and provide some hope and this film does not disappoint at reaching this intended goal.Character development is truly prominent and accompanied by already well defined and somewhat comical but tasteful characters. At early stages it seems impossible that any meaningful flow of emotion can occur between the family members and yet it changes in a very believable way. This provides so much hope to people of today struggling to communicate. As a whole the story is constructed very well, with little to say about loose ends, although Vince Jr. remains excluded and the ultimate adhesion of the family could have extended to him so as to indicate to his progression. A last minor critique is maybe the slight discomfort the confrontations may give some viewers, sensitive to verbal insult and argumentation, although the expression of their dysfunction empathy, understanding and confidence was important so as to state the issue, also it is solved by the end of the film, thus it may be excused.The performance of Emily Mortimer as Molly was brilliant, what a lovable character played by a lovable actress. Molly is truly the advocate of expression here and supports the principle and motive of the story as if she could be a poem on her own at the side of the prose(the story).I can truly advise this film to anyone, just sit tight and don't let the arguments put you off, as the character progression justifies any early discomforts and the existence of a true moral and actual lesson makes it all worth while, it gives hope in a time where family relationships are under immense danger from modern day threats.Hats off to Raymond De Felitta and all involved for this well accomplished story, screenplay and performance.

The Squeerelist City Island is a pretty neutral movie that deals with secrets and lies within families. By neutral I mean that I wasn't bored watching it and found it quite entertaining but the plot didn't pin me to my seat either. There is a fistful of good actors : namely Andy Garcia, Julianna Margulies and Ezra Miller. The latter being the most interesting one and the reason why I watched City Island in the first place... OK, Andy Garcia in the role of the wannabe-actor is not so bad either. The characters are very relatable as they have common jobs or activities and their fair share of problems. The Rizzo family has secrets like any other and thinks that keeping them hidden from their relatives will prevent a major crisis. Obviously, they'll discover that their secrets are the root of their family issues. I liked that City Island treated several topics like past mistakes, aspirations, and uncommon desires. I enjoyed discovering another part of New York City that isn't usually shown. It's a nice part of the Northern suburbs that is revealed : definitely another perspective of the Bronx.1 reason to watch it : a light story good enough to relax after work. Read it here: http://squeerelist.blogspot.com/2013/05/city-island- 2009.html

Bene Cumb It is nice when events and persons depicted are not bluntly nice and exemplary, but realistic even at the expense of some exaggeration. I mean, such people do exists, perhaps they do not belong into one family... Nevertheless, witty screenplay and great (Andy Garcia as Vince Rizzo, Emily Mortimer as Molly Charlesworth, Ezra Miller as Vincent "Vinnie" Rizzo, Jr.) and good (Julianna Margulies as Joyce Rizzo Steven Strait as Tony Nardella, Dominik Garcia-Lorido as Vivian Rizzo Alan Arkin as Michael Malakov etc) performances make this comedy drama interesting to follow and with frequent giggling. The Bronx's City Island, where the movie is set, has a kind of supporting part itself, but the name as title is not very inviting as does not even hint about what to expect - especially for non-US viewers. In my opinion, the movie deserves more praise and attention it has obtained so far.A good viewing experience - next to Hesher that I saw recently. Both well recommended!

Chris L City Island is a relatively paradoxical movie.The comedy aspect is enjoyable with flying dialogues, good quid pro quos and pretty funny scenes. But the drama aspect is bland and unfolds badly. This part could have used a stronger development to make it more interesting, and this would have made a great comedy-drama mix. The sincerity that emerges from the script is touching though. The movie is dynamic and not lengthy at all.Nothing to complain about the actors, their performances were pretty good overall, special mention to Andy Garcia.The direction wasn't particularly extraordinary but has no big flaw.