Review of City Island (2009) by Greg R — 15 Jan 2011

Andy Garcia is one of our most gifted actors. I dont know how or why he has fallen from the ranks of the lead actor guild in Hollywood but its certainly not due to a lack of talent. City Island is a virtually perfect film from its opening scene to the closing credits.

This film is the epitome of an Indie film. The premise is too exquisite to even go into. To summarize the film its a master class in character study and each and every actor in this film is spot on the mark.

Its a comedy, a romantic comedy, an insight into the dysfunctional family but with an extreme common sense message into solving the dysfunction. The Indie film, in my opinion, is far and away better than 99% of the swill being lavishly over produced in Hollywood.

This is a film stripped to the bare bone in production and a budget that had to be non-existent. The story line depends on what at its essence the film is all about. Living your dreams and sharing them with those you love.

Its a film about your deepest, darkest secret being the key to your salvation. Thats as much as I would dare give away about this gem. Watch it, savor it and appreciate its superior writing, brilliant acting and utterly awe inspiring ending.

Theres not one negative I can bring to the table while writing about this masterpiece. This is Garcia's Godfather.