True Friends

it all rings true, and I grew up there. It was interesting hearing them mention places or neighborhoods that I remembered. Though I never knew anyone like the characters- I grew up there earlier-, it was very realistic,never overplayed or succumbing to sensationalism. written in 3wks. by 2 of the actors,and a true story; A beautiful ode to friendship.

Hey, if you've got a sentimental bone in your body, you will like this movie. I was already to write a bad review, but then I read it was a true story, so I watched the whole thing, and I cried like a baby. Try it. If you've got dry eyes your a sad case. :)

A true story based on the lives of three best friends. This film will make you laugh and cry. Not just for New Yorkers but for anyone who ever had a friend in this life. A must see it can be rented in most video stores. A film with a message! Enjoy!

The Goodfellas-esque, sepia stained "flashback" images inspired me to carry on watching, despite the cliched dialogue, I gave it more than one chance, and was let down at every step. With a plot as deep as Goldilocks and the three bears, this movie unsuccessfully attempted to rip off every movie made on the same subject. Every vague hint at the protagonists' dealings with lesser members of the mob was more like satire than artistic observation,no wonder that the one or two half-convincing actors looked uncomfortable uttering every word of this all too familiar script. Top this off with the Tv-Movie type tear-jerking scenario towards the end... well I was begging for mercy from straight-to-video hell. I wanted a refund, not only for my money but for the brainpower and energy I wasted watching this sugar coated drivel. PS If Martin Scorcese really gave praise to this picture (as the cover claims), I am seriously worried for his sanity.

I remember watching this movie in parts, on TV, as a kid, and there are two scenes which stayed in my memory all these years. The first is when they bunk school to go fishing, and they get caught the next day when their photo appears in the newspaper. The other scene is when towards the end, Joey tells his wife, Gina, "I cant move my legs".

Now, having seen the movie in full after so many years, I enjoyed and appreciate it even more. A beautiful story of 3 friends growing up in a rough neighborhood, and sticking together in the toughest of times, this movie starts with some nice and light moments, and ends with some tearful moments towards the end. It depicts the ups and downs of life, and reminds us to value our true friends, and their friendship. It also shows how true friendship lives on even after a friend might not be there anymore.

For me the best thing about the movie is the story, and the bonding the 3 lead actors (and their junior versions) share. The way the friends come together to help J.J, or when they take Louie out for some "fun" on his birthday, are scenes that we can relate to in some way or another in our own lives. And the tragedy with Joey in the end makes you feel that you have lost a friend too.

The drawback of the movie may very possibly be some technical factors like poor editing which make the movie progress at a hurried pace, especially initially. A film like this might have done better with a few more slower moments in my opinion.

Overall, the movie aims at celebrating true friendship, and even despite a tragedy in the end, it somehow ends up on a positive note. A must watch in my opinion.