Review of City Island (2009) by Darcy L — 12 Sep 2010

Andy Garcia comes out of obscurity to lead a talented cast in this Woody Allen style comedy of errors about the weird and wonderful Rizzo Family of City Island, a tiny oasis nestled away from the Bronx and Manhattan's bustling metropolis. This kooky yet lovable family tree has it's share of nuts and the plot traces the hilarious steps each member must take to sort through their own closet of skeletons. When Vince Rizzo, prison guard is reunited with his long lost son in the state penn where he works, he must come to terms with who he truly is and how the arrival of a new family member will impact on the tense Rizzo dynamic.

The result is a witty and endearing portrait of a family coming to grips with the truth and learning to accept each other. The cast is delightful, the writing and direction are crisp and there is a familiar feel in the dialogue and ease of performances from the cast. Everything that goes down feels realistic and oddly normal, the comedic timing from everyone is perfect. The internal politics and turmoil the Rizzo's face reminded me a bit of Little Miss Sunshine, minus the sunshine. Both movies just happen to feature Alan Arkin.

Joy, tribulation and revelation play a huge factor in the third act and satisfying conclusion of this engaging and hilarious straight to DVD release. Garcia is the real revelation here, giving one of the most genuine and original performances of his career as a frustrated patriarch whose wish is to become a good fella. Brilliant from start to finish. File under extremely hidden gem, just like the name of the place the movie is named after.