Review of City Island (2009) by Connor S — 11 Jun 2010

What family doesn't have secrets? Secrets are often the fodder of good indie drama films, and this one is no exception. Mix in some good performances, and some relevant comedy bits, and for me, you've got a hit. City Island is one such film. Indie, quirky, and solid, from start to finish. You've got your "awww" moments, along with your cringe worthy.

Andy Garcia stars as the patriarch for this family that resides on City Island. He provides the narrative for the film, and a majority of it is focused on him. This is not to say that you don't get your fair share of Juliana Margulies who plays his wife. Which, by the way, can I just say is looking good and is doing really good?! I mean, I didn't see this sort of stuff coming her way after she did "er" and if she has always been this good, that is a darn shame.

The supporting cast consists of some new comers, as well as Alan Arkin, Emily Mortimer, and Steven Strait. Each of them provide a solid performance, no matter how brief their respective screen time may be. Together, this ensemble delivers a solid movie with some drama and heart and quirkiness, the perfect combination you look for in a good indie film.

You will start off feeling sorry for the family and maybe even sympathize a little bit, but then things start to get kind of heavy and with no better word to use, real. That's when some of the comedy comes in and it isn't enough to remove you completely from the story, it is just enough to tone done the emotion so you are not overwhelmed. Then, once you're feeling all safe and warm, BAM, you get the drama or cringe worthy that I referred to earlier. It is a good film, from start to finish, and just as enjoyable for just the same length. Be warned that there is some foul language, but it is not grotesque and there is no nudity.