Rating: R
Starring:
Alec Baldwin as Caesar Manganaro
Freddie Prinze Jr. as Michael Turner Jr.
Scott Caan as Carmine Mancuso
Mena Suvari as Ellen
Jerry Ferrara as Bobby Canzoneri
Monica Keena as Amy
Robert Turano as Mr. Canzoneri
Special Features:
Writer and Director Commentary
Cast Interviews
Other Info:
Widescreen (1.85:1)
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
DTS Surround Sound
Running Time: 99 Minutes
Synopsis:
The following is from the DVD description:
“A gripping tale of three life-long friends struggling with relationships, responsibility and loyalty on the mean streets of 1980 s-era Brooklyn, NY. When the violent influence of the mafia becomes a factor in their friendship, lives will be threatened as the fond memories of the past begin to give way to a potentially grim future.”
“Brooklyn Rules” is rated R for violence, pervasive language and some sexual content.
Mini-Review:
After watching about 15 minutes of “Brooklyn Rules,” I had figured out what the rest of the plot would be like and how it was going to end. It’s very easy to pick out which characters will live and die. You can figure out what’s going to happen to some of the guys about 30 minutes before it happens. It follows the familiar beats of so many other gangster-type movies that it all seems like you’ve seen it before. In short, “Brooklyn Rules” had absolutely nothing new to offer.
Scott Caan makes a convincing thug in this movie, but none of the other actors do much with their roles. Alec Baldwin has very little screentime and mainly acts like a stereotypical gangster. His performance is peppered with profanity and extreme violence and little more. Freddie Prinze Jr. speaks with a Brooklyn accent that’s painful to listen to. Mena Suvari’s character has very little life and it’s a bit hard to see what Prinze’s character sees in her (or vice versa).
In short, “Brooklyn Rules” was a big disappointment. I expected better from the writer of “The Sopranos” (as the DVD cover boldly proclaims).
You’ll find a minimum number of bonus features on this DVD. There is a writer and director commentary and a few cast interviews.
