On the Run

Rating:
Summary: Funny, Touching, Well-Acted
Review: "On the Run" is a great little comedy from Bruno De Almeida about how much the bonds of childhood friendship can really last through adulthood.

Albert (Micheal Imperiolli) is a shy, New York travel agent who always feels that he never takes an active part in his life, that things just happen to him. One day, he gets a call from his old childhood buddy Louie (John Ventimiglia), who's just escaped from jail with only two weeks left on his sentence. Albert does the "right" thing, and calls the police to pick Louie up.

But sometimes doing the "right" thing isn't always the most honorable thing, and Albert rushes to rescue Louie from the oncoming police. Though he just wants to give Louie a little money to get out of town and lay low for a while, Louie has other plans. Over the course of the film, they make Manhattan their playground as Louie tries to reconnect with Albert and Albert just tries to stay away from the NYPD.

What makes the film is the obvious improvisation between Imperiolli and Ventimiglia, who makes for one of the better comic duos I've seen in a while. Both actors, good friends and "Sopranos" cast members, play off each other very well.

Also quite good in supporting roles are Suzanne Shepard as one of Albert's clients that rips him to shreds, and Drena De Niro who was a jury member in Louie's trial that still has a thing for him.

With great leads and a good use of it's limited budget, "On the Run" is one of those secret little movies that nobody knows about, but once you see, you're going to recommend it to all of friends. Trust me.

**I plan to add to this review, when I have a chance to review the actual DVD. Hopefully there's a commentary with the director and stars or a making-of featurette.**

Rating:
Summary: ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIES!
Review: I first saw this movie on IFC. I loved it so much that I went ordered it the next day. Since then I have seen it 11 times! It is one of those great classics that you just have to see again and again. This movie is so damn funny and it gives you a feel for New York like no other. If you are a Sopranos fan you will love seeing two extrodinary actors in a diffrent role than the show. Michael Imperiloi and John Ventamaglia are great together. Imperioli plays the shy travel agent Albert Desantis and Ventamaglia is Louie Salazar, Albert's friend who just escaped prison with only two weeks left on his five year sentence. When Louie goes to Albert for help they end up wandering the streets of New York on one great adventure. Keep your eyes open for many Soprano actors throughout the movie. I'm know good at writing reviews so I'll just end by saying get this movie. It is so worth the money. This is one extremely enjoyable movie. I think it's better than most of the stuff they put in theaters and I saw it for free! SEE THIS MOVIE!

Rating:
Summary: Worth seeing ....Again!
Review: I originally saw this film at the Nantucket Film Festival. Now, for me, Nantucket isn't exactly a drive around the corner, but I can tell you seeing this film was worth the trip! I'm a Joaquim de Almeida fan, whifh is why I went to see the film. His perfomance is brief, but oh-so wonderfully done. His fans all know that he can do the "evil, bad guy" parts quite well, but there is an underlying comedic tone to Ignacio. As a viewer, I couldn't quite decide if he was playing the part straight (evil) or as a characture of a gangster/pimp. I think that was the point... Good acting!

Considering it was such a long trip to get to Nantucket, I am glad I liked the film besides the fact that Joaquim was in it. In fact, I liked it a lot! The film centers around two characters, Albert and Louie. Albert is a shy, retiring sort, and Louie... well Louie is not. The story revolves around Louie's request to Albert to let him come over to Albert's place for just a little while. Louie has just gotten out of prison (we later find out that he's actually escaped).

Albert and Louie have known each other since childhood, and of course whenver they do something together there is trouble and it's Albert who always takes the fall.

The action of the film is based on the adventures that ensue from Louie's visit. On The Run is a chronicle of mad-cap, zany, situations. However, Bruno de Almeida and scriptwriter, Joseph Minion (After Hours), don't always take you where you expect to go. There are twists and turns that add depth to this film. Of course there is plenty of outright comedy, but there is much subtle humor here as well.

There are some downright good performances here as well. Albert is played delightfully by Michael Imperioli. He has been in such films as Goodfellas, Clockers, Malcom X, and the HBO series, the Sopranos. Louie is played by John Ventimiglia, who imbues his character with a lovable, child-like quality. (no matter what he does, you just gotta love Louie!).

Both these actors are excellent in their individual characters. With Imperioli, you'll want to hug him and bring him home to Mom. Ventimiglia, well, you won't know whether you should slap him or bring him home (and NOT to Mom!).

There are other stand-out performances as well. The character of Rita is played by Drena DeNiro (yes, Robert's daughter). The audience adored her. Talking with the others who saw the film it was fun to discuss whether it was Albert or Louie who was their favorite of those two. But, everyone loved Rita!

Is this film perfect? No, I can't say that it is. There were many times I wished the director had had a bigger budget to work with. There were some scenes that cried out for more budgetary freedom. (Give this guy a decent budget to work with and I believe you are going to see a film that will make you stand up and notice.)

The ending sequence was a bit of a victim of budget. Yet, budget or no budget, the ending screen shot, in my opinion, brought together the talent of actor and director into a memorable, emotionally effective scene.

Rating:
Summary: Good movie ... should give it a try.
Review: Just watched it on IFC. Counldn't stop watching it! Great film, funny, wit, good acting and directing.

Rating:
Summary: Good movie ... should give it a try.
Review: Just watched it on IFC. Counldn't stop watching it! Great film, funny, wit, good acting and directing.