Review of Little Men (2016) by Tim M — 13 Sep 2016

Sometimes there is conflict between two people who both have good intentions and there are unintended consequences involving children. "Little Men" delves into the lives of two boys played by Theo Taplitz (Jake) and Michael Barbieri (Tony). Taplitz can't act and was the one lowlight of the movie. Ira Sachs does his best to shoot around him. For as bad as Taplitz is, Barbieri is that good and then some.

Jake's grandfather dies and leaves his apartment to his two kids. Included in the apartment is a store which his grandfather has allowed to go to his friend Leonor Calvelli, brilliantly acted by Paulina García. Leonor owns and operates a dressmaking store and is the mother of Tony. When Jake and his parents move into the apartment he and Tony become fast friends. The friendship changes as the parents fight and a magnificently told tale ensues. Greg Kinnear plays Jake's father and Alfred Molina who also collaborated with Sachs on 'Love is Strange' nail their parts. It's a nice movie that is real and unique. Sachs has put together two great life in NYC flicks in a row! Love how this is shot. You feel New York the way a New Yorker would.