Change Your Image
yankseva04
Reviews
Amongst Friends (1993)
Good low-budget debut
I thoroughly enjoyed this film. I may be somewhat biased insofar as I grew up in the five towns and went to school there. Although the film has drawn some criticism as simply being a "Mean Streets" with the seedy, urban locale transposed to a wealthy, suburban environment, this is not the whole story. Similar events to those depicted in the film were happening with kids in these areas, so it really is not a mere rehash of Scorcese. The plot involves three inseparable childhood friends, sons of wealth and privilege. Andy (Steve Parlavecchio), Trevor (Patrick McGaw), and Billy (Joseph Lindsey), grow up in the Five Towns L.I. They enjoyed doing petty crimes as youngsters for the respect it earned them as well as to escape boredom. After finishing high school, in the late 1980s, Billy asks Andy to make a drug delivery for him. Once Andy says yes, the stage is set for a story involving drugs, wealth, Jewish gangsters, and the bonds of friendship. Definitely worth a look if you enjoy this type of film, but admittedly falls somewhat short of its lofty goals insofar as a lack of character development and overall plot structure. Interesting note - Mira Sorvino shows glimpses of the future in her first real movie role in the film.
Munich (2005)
Terrorists Sleep lightly
I very much liked the film, although having read the book Vengeance in my late teens, I found the book better. To give a little background, I am 29 and I was in the Israeli army not so very long ago. While I did NOT commit any targeted killings or assassinations, I do not sleep as easily as I did in my youth, as there are many late nights. But regrets? - I did what I was called to do in defense of my country, and now I am proud to be able to be here in the greatest country in the world. I must admit it troubles me that many in America do not honor their sons and daughters who serve in military. Anyone who has not walked point or left on an action not certain if they would see first light, has no business saying anything. Hazak to Mr. Spielberg for a film that is relatively even in its approach. I sleep a little better knowing right now that somewhere a terrorist is sleeping with his gun, bug out bag at the ready, knowing there are hunters searching day and night.