Evidencias Mortales

It's really a shame that this movie did not get at least a limited theatrical release. Compared to some of the crap that did get into theaters last years, this movie is a masterpiece. But seriously, I really did not know what to expect when I rented this, but what I got was a movie that I very much enjoyed and a movie that I thought was superbly acted. Oscar winner Mira Sorvino is great, and plays a woman with a troubled past who moves to New York to escape it and to be close to her elderly grandmother. In desperation, she takes a job at a fancy Italian restaurant, that, unknown to her, is run be the mob. At the restaurant she befriends two waitresses played by Mariah Carey and Melora Walters, and what develops is a wonderful friendship, that is until a secret that one of them has is revealed and the illegal activities of the restaurant come crashing down around them. It really is a great movie and I strongly suggest it. All actresses do a great job, but the big surprise is Mariah Carey. She is great and projects a confidence and attitude that is unmatched by her co-starts. This really, really should have been her mainstream acting debut, not the flop Glitter that has tagged her as an untalented actress, because as this film proves, she isn't and I think we can expect more great roles for her. So give this film a chance, it is definitely one of the better movies of it's type that I have seen for awhile.

This is a good girl buddy movie for the most part. It even shows that Mariah Carey can act even if she is not yet at the level of excellence as Mira Sorvino and Melora Walters.

The acting is realistic to a certain extent as is the screenplay with the possible problem of stereotyping Italian-Americans a little too much as members of the Mob. A little bit too much of Hollywood writing the criminal history rather than reality writing it.

This seems a very under rated movie that should be seen by Mira Sorvino fans. Shows that the quality she demonstrated in the Mighty Aphrodite was more than her having a few good weeks when she good act really well.

I recently saw this film at a student-only screening at the Vancouver Film School. All in all, a fine little film. Mira shines, Mariah is great, and Melora pulls off one the biggest surprises I've seen in ages. The direction is strong, as is the script, with several genuine plot surprises to keep the action going. Also of note is the supporting cast of Italian "heavies", who alternate between cool charm and outright scary. Weaker points include a very slow beginning, and a somewhat implausible scene in which Mira, at gunpoint, is forced to do something criminal that stretches logic. Also, the music in this film is terrible and really detracts from the viewing experience. Still, these are minor caveats for an otherwise surprisingly serious and touching film. With a title like WISEGIRLS, I was expecting a comedy. Score this one 8/10.

You never really know what you are gonna come across while scanning through the 200+ digital cable channels. A few times it happens to be a really good movie.

'Wisegirls' is an excellent depiction of a normal working life unaware of the actual dangers that fester inside. At first I, too, thought it was going to be a comedy, but was I suprised. Mira Sorvino is at her best as a quirky yet fiery young lady just trying to make ends meet in a legitimate establishment run by underworld factions. Arthur Nascarella shines as your typical cool yet vicious mob boss *Mr.* Santalino. And Mariah Carey...she can only get more and more beautiful (forgive me, she's always been my "Vision of Love") and she is truly a very good actress.

I recommend this movie for those who enjoy action, drama, and lovely songstresses all together in one suprisingly good package.

Extremely minor effort from director David Anspaugh could not find a distributor upon completion, which is why I saw it on Cinemax the other night. It plods, it's underwritten and confusing, and Mira Sorvino(playing a troubled young waitress at a mob-infested Italian restaurant on Staten Island)looks wrung out, but the film does benefit from a colorful supporting turn by Mariah Carey as a foul-mouthed waitressing vet. ** from ****