dglink
Evidently inspired by a true story, the titular "City by the Sea" refers to Long Beach, New York, a decaying seaside town, where much of the action takes place. When a drug deal goes awry, a junkie named Joey kills the dealer, and, together with his buddy, he tosses the body into the sea. Eventually, the dealer's corpse washes up in Manhattan, where two cops are called in to investigate. In a bizarre twist of fate, one of the cops is Joey's estranged father. Meanwhile, Spyder, the local drug boss, displeased by the killing of one of his men and eager to regain respect in the neighborhood, also pursues Joey. In this gritty, downbeat story, few uplifting moments mitigate the tale of drugs, crime, and a supremely dysfunctional family.The cast is strong, and Robert De Niro as Vincent LaMarca, the cop pursuing his son, a suspected murderer, gives good performance as expected; LaMarca struggles not only with having to arrest his son, but also with his own past and the haunting legacy of his father. James Franco is a standout as Joey, the addict struggling with addiction and his father's abandonment. Frances McDormand is always an engaging actress, and, as Michelle, DeNiro's patient girl friend, she plays a woman who knows where she stands in life and the limits of her tolerance. Patti Lupone, the shrewish ex-wife, effectively lays all the blame for their son's problems on DeNiro, while George Dzundzas gives a low-key performance as Reg, DeNiro's loyal partner.Based on an article by Mike McAlary, Ken Hixon's screenplay slowly probes the shadows of LaMarca's multi-generational past and unveils Joey's secrets as well. Filmed in Asbury Park, New Jersey, the film is better than average, and director Michael Caton-Jones maintains a decent pace, although he can do little to brighten a gloomy story. The LaMarca family has decayed like the city of Long Beach; dark roots from the past reach up to strangle succeeding generations and threaten a future one. Fine performances, especially by Franco, make "City by the Sea" worthy viewing, although a stiff drink or a Valium may be required to lift viewers' moods afterwards.
juneebuggy
This ended up being just an okay crime drama despite the more than decent cast, an intriguing plot and a pretty brilliant performance from James Franco. It's based on a true story about a well respected and dedicated New York City police detective (Robert DeNiro) who has gone to great lengths to distance himself from his past, as his father was executed for the 1950s kidnapping of a child.With a tentative relationship just beginning with his downstairs neighbor (Frances McDormand) Vincent's latest investigation threatens to topple everything as his own (estranged and drug addicted) son has just become the lead suspect in the murder investigation. This is a gritty character drama that I'd expected to be better. 11/6
faithisagoodthing
Let's just say, I'm kind of shocked this is only 6.1 in the ratings.Reading other people comments, I have noticed that some have said the movie was excellent but they haven't provided a rating score, which might have brought it slightly higher.Regarding, the negative feedback, what on earth are they watching? Maybe, they should stick to Twilight and light weight popcorn movies as after all this a a dark gritty drama for grown ups. The casting is brilliant with everyone playing their part extremely well.Yes, I can see why people always go on about James Franco being a junkie in real life especially with performances like this and Pineapple Express (no one does it better but that's what you call great acting).He basically, went toe to toe with Robert De Niro (who hand picked him after seeing James Franco as James Dean) and came out his equal. Maybe just maybe, Robert De Niro might have passed his succession to James Franco. No wonder, his getting Oscars nominations now etc and only matter of time before he wins a few.I actually, forgot that I watched this movie when it originally came out. I went to the supermarket recently and purchased a copy as it was very cheap and found a a true gem that I had forgotten. I felt, I had to write a review because I couldn't believe the rating and some of the comments.I'm not going to breakdown what happens in the story there's enough evidence of that already but wow. If you want amazing acting by all and true essence of what a great drama should be, you might have seen similar formats in the past but was it ever acted as well as this then I suggest you rent or buy it.I'm so glad, I have this as part of my DVD collection. Not every movie has to have plenty of car chasing, be in 3D, naked ladies etc.Sometimes, you just need a strong cast to bring a good story home and for me they brought it home plenty. Can't believe this movie didn't get any Oscar nominations. I can be critical like the next person, thinking not another cop drama but seriously can't stress this enough open your mind to solid acting by all cast members and you will be truly surprised.
Theo Robertson
CITY BY THE SEA stars Robert DeNiro and was directed by Michael Caton Jones whose previous big films include MEMPHIS BELLE and THE JACKAL . Somewhat strangely it only received a very limited release in Britain as it sank without trace at the box office . In fact I'm not even sure it got a cinema distribution deal such was its obscurity . Bare in mind however that both DeNiro and Caton Jones best known work were way in the past with the actor now known as someone appearing in cameo roles in forgettable movies and the director being known as someone who came from a working class Scottish background who made good , even though very few Scots could name more than two films he's directed As you might expect CITY BY THE SEA is something you might pick up at the DVD store , watch it one evening then by the time you're having breakfast the next morning you'll have forgotten ever seeing it . . It's certainly not terrible but neither is it more passable than being mediocre , it's a routine thriller that's far too routine . DeNiro plays a cop called Vince LaMarca whose father was executed for murder and now his son is on the run after being accused of killing a cop . Much of the emotional baggage of LaMarca goes totally unexplored and you'd never know of this family history until one of the characters occasionally brings it up via dialogue . In fact if LaMarca was written as female then you'd honestly believe that this was yet another variation of a TVM made for women
AD
