Robert Deniro delivers one of the best auras of what a New Yorker is. His entire being screams New Yorker and this comes through in the roles he chooses. Taking on the role of a Police Detective gripping with a broken family and a son he barely knows on the rope, Deniro shows us what it takes. City By The Sea is based on a true event, which previous to watching the movie I did not know. The story is gripping and the eventual outcome more heartfelt than I expected.
Taking place in NYC's Long Beach area, Deniro plays the role of veteran detective Vincent LaMarca. Plagued by a childhood that included a convicted murderer father, and a son who has lost his way, Demarco has tried to make the best of his life serving for the city trying to prevent others from making the mistakes his father made. The story is captivating mainly because of its grayness. There is no exact right or wrong here. His son has many problems and is guilty of some things while being unguilty of others. Demarco himself is failure at fatherhood, something he felt failed at by his father.
Demarco's son is played really well by James Franco. Known as Joey Nova in the drugged out shacks he hangs around, Joey has a serious drug problem. With an illegitmate son, and junkie girlfriend who's trying to get well, it seems the Demarco curse is going to continue. Upon hitting bottom again, Joey Nova finds himself in a fight with a crazed drug dealer. Joey ultimately stabs the dealer to death, taking his body to the sea to dump. Of course the body turns up and Demarco and his partner take the case. It leads them to Joey Nova, but Demarco has no idea this is his Joey. Of course the movie then winds its way through gray twists of right and wrong, as Demarco's longtime partner is eventually killed with Joey Nova the prime suspect.
Knowing this is a true story to an extent really makes the drama even more intriguing. The acting in this title is first class with Deniro once again providing a solid range of emotion. As far as mysteries go there is little surprise here. However a worthy tale that shows all of the human emotions that affect us daily.
The Disc:
First let me say that the soundtrack and audio aspects of this film are very clear and well done. With tons of dialog important to the fluid movement of the story, this disc really impressed me with is 5.1 track. Sure the neat flying surrounds aren't really there, except for the few shooting scenes. However Warner has really done a nice job here.
The film's theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 is presented in anamorphic video. This is another very fine transfer from Warner. The city really looks nice with a range of darks and whites to contrast all of the busy movement. Well done in matching the audio.
As far as goodies go, Warner Home Video has included a new screen-specific feature-length audio commentary by screenwriter Ken Hixon and producer Matthew Baer. What can I say? Somewhat boring though very imformative. I just would rather have heard from Deniro himself. The disc also offers a more entertaining Six Word About Filmmaking with Michael Caton-Jones. This look at how the film was made is better but overall Warner did a weak job with the extras.
bottom line:
Deniro rolls on with another enjoyable film that should entertain for 2 hours. The film's pace is so slow and yet entertaining enough that I could stand the slow pace. Worth a rental for sure and perhaps owning for Deniro fans.
3.5 out of 5
By - Brian Gray
1/2
