Staten Island

An atypical mobster movie with impact
I picked up this movie to begin with, because Vincent D'Onofrio is in it. I ended up loving it, for the plot and the storyline.
The characters, at times, border on being comical; but not in the usual way. What I mean by that is, that life is ironic and the movie mirrors the ironic way that life comes at you. Sometimes all you can do is laugh about it. The movie is full of twists, with a twist ending.
The characters, go through a series of events; that test thier mettle. How they react to the situations that affect them is what makes this movie special.
The performances are all top notch. Ethan Hawke made me sit up and take notice with the honesty of his performance.
Vincent D'Onofrio was excellent as always. Seymour Cassell was able to make you understand his character, though he didn't utter a word. Just awesome. I definitely recommend this movie. Give it a try. I dont think you will be disappointed.

The ending is worth the wait--and enjoy Vincent while you do.
Bought it because it stars Vincent D'Onofrio. As usual, he entertains. One of the best actors working today. Where are his awards?
The story is interesting although you have to wait for the layers to be peeled away. The writing is excellent and the actors all turn in solid performances. I particularly liked the scenes with Seymour Cassel as a deaf-mute in which the sounds are muffled or muted completely. Can't think of the last time I cheered for an old geezer with a gun, but I still wonder what exactly he does with the meat?

If you like the dumbed down "entertainment" of Adam Sandler or Mike Meyers, this movie isn't for you. If you enjoy an O. Henry type story with well-acted scenes, pick this one up. If you are one of D'Onofrio's crazed fans, you've already bought it and viewed it 15 times complaining about the stupid PTB at USA network the entire time. . . but don't forget to watch the deleted scenes!

A bit slow in the beginning, but ultimately very good
Short Attention Span Summary:

This was an "intersecting stories" type of movie a la "Pulp Fiction."

1. We see a mobster who is in the process of plotting to take over the business of his rivals. It is at this point that we learn that he can hold his breath for a long period of time under water. At the beginning of the movie, he is trying to beat some money out of someone that stole it from him (literally). He leaves because he has to go and see after his mother.

2. The mobster's associates try to kill him after a visit with his mother (the reason for which he had to interrupt the beating that started the movie) and his car veers off into a river. He manages to survive this attempt because of his underwater breathing exercises before.

3. There is a man and his wife. He is a septic tank cleaner and they want to have a child. He gets the bright idea to rob this old woman (who happens to be Mr. Mobster's mother) in order to get the funds to...

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