Review of City Island (2009) by Panta O — 31 Aug 2010

The Rizzos are an Italian-American family living in the Bronx neighbourhood City Island and as a family the Rizzos are completely dysfunctional. Every family member has a secret to hide. They spare no expense in avoiding the truth about their messed-up lives in writer/director Raymond de Felitta's dark family comedy.

I have to say that Andy Garcia as Vince Rizzo delivers his best performance in a very long time! I'll always remember a scene where Vince is attempting to act while auditioning for a gangster film - I think this scene will become a classic for future generations! Vince?s wife, Joyce is played by Julianna Margulies - she brings the right degree of fire not just to match his volatility but to make every male in the audience feeling very, very hot! On the other side we have lovely Emily Mortimer as Vince's empathetic friend from acting school that brings balance to the whole happening.

This is a real life drama with lot of warmth and good humour! Pleasant, unexpected delight which builds laughter and anticipation as the family?s entangled untruths take us to a heart-clenching but tender finish. Thumbs up!