Cosmoeticadotcom The acting in the film is wildly variable. Marmo, and old warhorses like Torres and Costanzo do quite well in their parts. The scenes of Sebi handling his mother's death, and holding her, then nothing, in that bed, from an overhead shot, is quite emotionally revealing, and shows Marmo and Cistone at their best, and one just wishes that all of the emotions and direction of the film had been as stellar. There are some good supporting performances, starting with the few brief scenes of Cavalieri's Joey, whose warmth, charisma, and good looks make him a presence on screen. How this actor has not made it in a bigger way is beyond me. The same could be said for Fioravanti's Donna, who goes from a smartass bitch to a grieving friend and woman of some insight. And it's not because the role is written that way, but the looks and glances that Fioravanti imbues her character with. The third unexpectedly good performance comes from Pupello's emotionally desperate Grace, who appears in only two brief scenes, but nails an archetype while also putting real pity into her character. The rest of the cast is quite mediocre, to be generous- with the worst offenders being Madio's stale Jimmy Boy, and Jackson as Maddy's father, giving absolutely no life to his curmudgeon. The film score, by Michael Sherwood and Carl Saunders, is top notch, and not too schmaltzy nor too obvious in giving away emotional cues, and well scored by Marmo's wife, Wendy. The cinematography, by Florian Stadler and Daniel Stilling is good throughout, with a few moments of high quality, starting right from the fire at Papo's, which plays under the credits, and economically propels the characters' diaspora westward. The film also suffers from, especially in its first half, too much narration. Sebi is not Woody Allenesque in his powers of observation, and more annoying Daniel Stern from The Wonder Years, and cutting this by 30-40% would have helped, but the overall screenplay, by Marmo, ranges from solid to good.West Of Brooklyn is not a film that will change one's life. It lacks the artistry to be great, and too much of it follows the banal paths of yore. But, at its best, the film subverts many expectations, and showcases Marmo as a genuinely multitalented artist: actor, producer, screenwriter….but NOT poet! It is the sort of work that I, on a personal level, like stumbling upon, as I have with a number of self published books I've reviewed. It is also a film that aptly shows the seeds for later potential, and on that basis, as well the others mentioned, it's worth viewing.

DPatts I saw this film over a year ago and loved it and wanted to show my support. I find it interesting that another reviewer(did you actually see the movie) took the time to research every reviewer for this movie in particular. You have something against the filmmaker or have nothing better to do with your time than bash and criticize.I happen to be a HUGE Ronnie Marmo fan, saw the play, and loved the movie. I hope that meets with the approval of this reviewer. I don't know what else to say except I adored the film and the actors. God forbid someone actually like Ronnie and the rest of the cast. The horror of it. Perhaps the reviewer should spend their time reviewing films they really watch versus spending time criticizing what they know nothing about.

Nora Bledsoe I loved this movie just loved it. The cast is top notch. The love scene is very hot with both Ronnie Marmo and Natalia Livingston, my favorite actress, was superb. But no one can surpass Ronnie Marmo, who's movie, story, and narration throughout was extra ordinary. I saw this back in Feb and I still can't believe it's not released yet. It's funny, sad, and heartwarming. Ronnie and Natalia great job to you both and the rest of the cast was terrific also. Joe Mantegna was in this too with another fine performance. I laughed and cried through the entire movie. This film and the entire cast deserves the best and the movie should goto a film festival.

l-roige WOW...I was so impressed by this movie...I don't know where to begin. I loved the story line...I felt like I knew the cast for years. You have the people you love and the people you hate. Not because I am Italian or anything...LOL...I happen to think it's a FANTASTIC Movie...the love scene it HOT, HOT, HOT and the narration done by Ronnie is incredible. I can't say enough about this movie. I've been following Ronniew for many years...and I think this is his BEST work yet!!! The story line and the hidden messages were unbelievable. I don't want to give it away, so when it hits the BIG SCREEN you will go and see it!!!! There are a couple of things I can about it...You will cry, laugh, get angry and feel as if these people are your family. It is as intense as it is funny. I can't wait to see Ronnie at the Oscars...You DESERVE it...this is a masterpiece.