Tom Smith My wife picked out "Staten Island" (that was the movie's title and the title on the DVD. I'm not sure why IMDb has it listed as "Little New York") and we were both looking forward to it. Unfortunately, "Staten Island" was disappointing. Certainly there was a mix of humor, irony and some grim aspects. But after reading the description on the box, it failed to meet expectations.That said, Seymour Cassel was outstanding as a deaf, mute butcher who occasionally did work for the mob. You really felt for him throughout the movie. Ethan Hawke had a convincing time portraying a stereotyped "less than bright" septic tank worker. I'm not partial to Vincent D'Onofrio's limited acting abilities and he didn't fail to disappoint. I don't understand how he lands movie roles. He has enough trouble with his TV roles.If you're looking to rent a decent mob movie, I'd look elsewhere. While not horrible "Staten Island" left us wanting.

Gordon-11 This film is about the intersecting lives of a mobster, a septic tank cleaner and a butcher in Staten island, New York.At first I thought "Staten Island" was a mobster film. When scenes concerning a forest start, it became pretty flat and unconventional for a mobster film. After a while, I realised that in fact it wasn't a mobster film. It's actually a touching drama about how people struggle to make ends meet, what people would do to end their misery and what people would do to have a glimmer of hope for a brighter future. I particularly was entranced by the character and the performance of Jasper. His silent world is so well portrayed, that I really feel his world. His deafness parallels his muted suffering, as the mobs make him do atrocious stuff but he could not say no. "Staten Island" is an engaging drama, I hope it will get a wider audience which it deserves.

paul david I watched this the first time and didn't quite work it out, so watched it again and loved it. It is a COMEDY no mistake and don't be put off by the gore. it is a clever compelling comedy with some very good dialogue and excellent linking between the three main characters, mainly I feel on Tarzo the gangster/mobster and Jasper the deaf and mute butcher who is a real star in this movie, a sort of low level vigilante. I like the -save the tree' speech by Tarzo and his protest speech to the journalist. It does take a while for the whole story to gell a bit and for the three main characters to come together. Guess it shows Staaten island in a good light and all islanders will like the public attention the film brings. I have visited Manhattan island but not staaten and doubt I will ever visit there. do they make horror movies there also? this is not a serious movie and its with the trend of bad lieutenant (nck cage) of teasing the audience with a serious topic in a drama and making it humorous.

girlocelot This was lots of fun, if slow to develop & move forward. Minor quibble because of excellent acting from all leads, & equally good supporting cast performances. Apt, oddball choices of songs commented on the action and characters. There are brief scenes of intense gore, but you can close your eyes for a second.I agree with another poster that parts of this don't mesh as a whole, but it didn't bother me because of the film's almost happy-go-lucky vibe, a little wistful and silly, funny in places. It was saved by balancing those elements or attitudes with a fresh take on 2nd rate mobsters in - not that I agree, since I was born there - a second rate burg. The local color is done well - it's very particular to SI, though not the whole story.Seymour Cassell was especially good - it's great to see a guy who's seen it all display depth and nuance in what's essentially a light but highly entertaining flick.If you like off-beat, unusual films, and directors who aren't afraid to go out on a limb, and sharp small characters, you'll have a good time with this one.