By Raymond Zwart
Brooklyn Rules (2007)
‘Not made to be broken’
Directed by:
Michael Corrente
Written by:
Terence Winter
Cast:
Freddy Prinze Jr. …Michael Turner Jr.
Scott Caan …Carmine Mancuso
Alex Baldwin …Caesar Manganaro
Jerry Ferrara …Bobby Canzoneri
Mena Suvari …Ellen
Monica Keena …Amy
Robert Turano …Mr. Canzoneri
Phyllis Kay …Mrs. Canzoneri
Ursula Abbott …Angela
Paulo Araujo ...Young Michael
The idea of friends growing up in a mob environment lends itself well to coming-of-age dramas such as A BRONX TALE. This movie is set at the time of Aniello’s Dellacrose’s death which resulted in a bloody power struggle within the Gambino family.
In the background of these turbulent times we follow three close friends in Brooklyn. We first meet these friends – Michael, Bobby and Carmine – in 1974 when they attend a church service which ends with Michael stealing money from the church collection plate. He doesn’t have a conscience, he explains in a voice-over. Still, when the kids have grown up in 1985, it is Carmine who leans more towards joining the mob than Michael, as he is getting closer with Gambino captain Caesar (Alec Baldwin), a murderous thug who rules the boys’ neighbourhood.
Bobby is a sweet guy who is definitely not fit for a life in crime. He wants to marry his girlfriend and become a mail clerk. For Michael it is not that simple. He is smart enough to go to Colombia and become a lawyer, but he grows more accustomed to all the violence around him. When the friends get in a brawl with a local maniac, it becomes unsure if all three friends will live through the end. Michael’s choices also become tougher now. Stealing church money is one thing, murdering a person is quite another.
BROOKLYN RULES is written by Terence Winter, who wrote some of the best episodes for hit series THE SOPRANOS. He has delivered a decent screenplay about friendship, making choices and growing up. It misses the edgy writing of THE SOPRANOS though. The good thing is that director / producer Michael Corrente sketches a very authentic atmosphere with cool song choices (Sympathy for the Devil), and many great filming locations in Brooklyn.
The three main actors play their parts well and make their friendship seem very believable, despite some challenging dialogues. The romantic plot sideline between Michael and Ellen (mena Suvani – AMERICAN BEAUTY) is a welcome addition to the story. This movie – though not very original or excelling – is a fair example of its genre and can certainly keep viewers entertained for a good ninety minutes.
Rating: 
Quote:
MICHAEL: He got a necklace with a fucking ear on. Cut it of some gook in the war.
Trivia:
Scott Caan is the son of screen legend James Caan.
