On the Run

I caught this movie on IMC the other day and was pleasantly surprised. Overflowing with NYC atmosphere and charm, the two leads will hold your interest throughout. Louie(John Ventimiglia) is the epitome of a man who lives only for the moment. He has absolutely no self-control. Two weeks before he's scheduled to be released from prison after a five year term, he breaks out. And he heads straight for his old pal Albert (Michael Imperioli), the kid who always took the fall for Louie back in their schooldays. Albert is a milquetoast travel agent living like a loser. At first Albert wants nothing to do with Louie. But being the kindhearted slob that he is (and maybe knowing that Louie could easily provide a little excitement in his drab existence), Albert allows Louie to take him on a wild one day ride through Manhattan which becomes at turns exhilarating, frightening, pathetic and hilarious. This movie and the characters grow on you as it goes along. The direction is first rate and the acting is top notch, especially the two leads. Ventimiglia strikes all the right chords as Louie. You should hate this guy but somehow you can't. And Imperioli is equally impressive in a very quiet, understated performance. Although the ending left a bit to be desired I would still highly recommend this film.