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The Real Thing

Original title: Livers Ain't Cheap
  • 1996
  • R
  • 1h 29m
IMDb RATING
5.0/10
247
YOUR RATING
Gary Busey, Rod Steiger, Esai Morales, Ashley Laurence, and James Russo in The Real Thing (1996)
ActionCrime

Rupert is a small time crook trying to do the right thing. But when his younger brother gets in trouble and needs a new liver, Rupert gets together his old gang and they plan a heist on New ... Read allRupert is a small time crook trying to do the right thing. But when his younger brother gets in trouble and needs a new liver, Rupert gets together his old gang and they plan a heist on New Years Eve.Rupert is a small time crook trying to do the right thing. But when his younger brother gets in trouble and needs a new liver, Rupert gets together his old gang and they plan a heist on New Years Eve.

  • Director
    • James Merendino
  • Writers
    • James Merendino
    • Rustam Branaman
  • Stars
    • James Russo
    • Jeremy Piven
    • Fabrizio Bentivoglio
  • See production, box office & company info
    • IMDb RATING
    5.0/10
    247
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • James Merendino
    • Writers
      • James Merendino
      • Rustam Branaman
    • Stars
      • James Russo
      • Jeremy Piven
      • Fabrizio Bentivoglio
    • 3User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 nominations

    Photos

    Emily Lloyd, Gary Busey, Max Perlich, Rod Steiger, Esai Morales, Jeremy Piven, Ashley Laurence, and James Russo in The Real Thing (1996)
    Emily Lloyd, Esai Morales, Jeremy Piven, and James Russo in The Real Thing (1996)
    Add photo

    Top cast

    Edit
    James Russo
    James Russo
    • Rupert Little
    Jeremy Piven
    Jeremy Piven
    • John
    Fabrizio Bentivoglio
    Fabrizio Bentivoglio
    • Alfredo Donati
    Robert LaSardo
    Robert LaSardo
    • Eric Fidel
    Ashley Laurence
    Ashley Laurence
    • Carla
    Emily Lloyd
    Emily Lloyd
    • Lisa Tuttle
    Davino Buzzotta
    Davino Buzzotta
    • James Little
    • (as Dave Buzzotta)
    Rod Steiger
    Rod Steiger
    • Victor
    Patrick Gallagher
    Patrick Gallagher
    • Dexter
    • (as Pat Gallagher)
    Esai Morales
    Esai Morales
    • Collin
    Gary Busey
    Gary Busey
    • Foreman
    Max Perlich
    Max Perlich
    • Tom
    Barbara Nickell
    • Bartender
    Scott Lowy
    • Bouncer #1
    Jimmy Steger
    • Bouncer #2
    Jaye K. Danford
    • Cop #1
    Brendan Burns
    • Cop #2
    Lou Rawls
    Lou Rawls
    • MC
    • Director
      • James Merendino
    • Writers
      • James Merendino
      • Rustam Branaman
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    User reviews3

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    1/10
    Rented tape at Blockbuster on 3/3/99
    Unfortunately, I thought that this film was a real TURKEY. I rented it because the credits listed Gary Busey and Rod Steiger. Gary Busey had a bit part and Rod Steiger exited suddenly. The ending was predictable. The special effects were lacking. I feel that I wasted my money on the rental fee.

    Maybe this movie would appeal to someone, but alas, not me. My wife slept through the whole movie.
    helpful•5
    12
    • Mark Bruno
    • Mar 4, 1999

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • January 12, 1996 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Livers Ain't Cheap
    • Filming locations
      • Old Montana Prison - 1106 Main Street, Deer Lodge, Montana, USA
    • Production companies
      • LAC, LP
      • LACCP
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • $2,500,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 29 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Ultra Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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    Gary Busey, Rod Steiger, Esai Morales, Ashley Laurence, and James Russo in The Real Thing (1996)
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