Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Troy Garity | ... | Santo | |
Paul Sorvino | ... | Benny | |
David Proval | ... | Manny | |
Elizabeth Masucci | ... | Ann Bastucci | |
John Bedford Lloyd | ... | Agent Cahil | |
Arthur J. Nascarella | ... | Father Matteo | |
John Bianco | ... | Carmine | |
Daniel Margotta | ... | Scalzo | |
Adriana DeMeo | ... | Maria | |
Melissa Marsala | ... | Gina | |
Carmine Raspaolo | ... | Basta | |
Joe Perrino | ... | Nick (as Joseph Perrino) | |
Artie Pasquale | ... | Philly | |
Ellie Gallina | ... | Siena | |
Josie Gallina | ... | Titi |
The story of Santo Bastucci, a local banker with a rare gift for memorizing numbers; he is unwittingly cast into the forefront of an aging wiseguy's bid for power, Manny "The Hand" Mistera. Santo is caught between the loyalty he has for his cagey father-in-law, Benny, his childhood friend, Basta, and his streetwise uncle, Matteo, the pastor of their Brooklyn church.
From someone who grew up in the Bronx and Brooklyn, this film captures what it was like to live during that time. The Mob was not revered like some of the Mob Genre films I have seen in the past. They were avoided and the story of a legitimate guy who unintentionally gets involved seems very real.
I enjoyed the cinematography that captured a gritty but beautiful view of the area as it was starting to change. Troy Garity, who I understand grew up in California, captured the nuances and cadence of the residents of Brooklyn who spoke was was on their mind, were loyal to a fault and protected their friends and family.
David Proval played a simmering psychopath who was ready to blow at any moment. Paul Sorvino was great as the goofy father in law who is smarter than he lets on.
All in all, I think this film will stand the test of time.