shelleyalevin

It's not a great film, despite the raw material to be so. The film feels like it was rushed in production. But it's still worth a watch given that it's based on a true story. And Andrew Lawrence once again proves he's the most talented of the three Lawrence brothers. He's handsome, sure. But more importantly he's emotive and full of range. In one scene he's naive and innocent, and in the next scene, he's manipulative and disturbed. Yet it's all wrapped up into one seamless character. He quite literally saves the movie. In a lesser actor's hand, this could have gone comically wrong. Basically, I recommend this to any AL fans out there. Otherwise, it's a crapshoot as to whether or not you'll like it.

I don't understand how this film didn't do better in terms of box office, reviews, and awards. Zac Efron is incredible. Chilling and nuanced. This guy has done a Hollywood rarity by successfully going from a teen heartthrob to a super talented adult actor of top caliber. One of the best of his generation by far. I know there's some controversy connected to some of the creative license taken in the story telling of this film but it is so worth a watch, I cannot say it more. Zac Efron is so unselfconscious about his great looks that he takes on roles where he's got dated ridiculous hair and clothes. I hope he continues to take chances like this.

Paul Sorvino is incredible. The other actors are good but frankly not as good as Paul Sorvino. Nonetheless. It's such a beautifully distinct and unusual story. I highly recommend it. I'm a native New Yorker though from Manhattan and not Queens. Still. The characters and situational stuff really resonated with me. Beautifully executed. I've always been a fan of Michael Rappaport. He's seriously underrated. I think of him in Beautiful Girls and Friends and now this. I want to see him in more things! Why does IMDB require such long reviews? I'm done but it won't let me submit. Blah blah blah blah.