Rodrigo Amaro "Five Corners" is a dark comedy about a man (John Turturro) recently released from prison who seeks revenge on the people who caused him to be arrested. They are: the woman (Jodie Foster) he tried to rape; her boyfriend (Todd Graff) and the hero's situation (Tim Robbins), who saved the woman's life, and probably used of a lot of force to detain the rapist (nothing is shown so we have to deduce), since now he's peace-keeper who doesn't trust violence at all after this life changing incidentThis marked as being John Patrick Shanley's first script ever filmed, separated by a few months of the other one that brought him some recognition and the Oscar, the acclaimed "Moonstruck". Never elegant or brilliant like his most successful screenplay, "Five Corners" is something to be seen because Shanley knows how to create good moments one after another with knowledge of cause (he lived similar experiences as the ones showed here), some odd humor and makes you feel interested even when the story goes on a random rampage of sequences and characters that doesn't seem to fit a purpose in the plot - the young kids having a good time all around, including a memorable ride on the top of elevators. They have a purpose actually, but it takes too long to get there.But, like "Moonstruck", he has on his disposal and director Tony Bill, a good ensemble casting (the difference is that most of the actors in this film were relatively unknown at the time of its release while Norman Jewison's film had an stellar casting already famous). Foster and Robbins are fine together, very comfortable in their roles (Tim's best scene involves a small monologue about why he wants to join the Civil Rights Movement); Graff, unforgettable as the comic relief in 99,9% of "The Abyss", is quite annoying as the goofy boyfriend who always seem to ruin the day for everyone. Top quality performance of this comes from the terrorizing psychotic character of Turturro, his coldest and scariest character I've seen since John Shooter in "Secret Window". The drama? Engaging. The suspense? Good with some violent moments, but predictable at many parts (the ending was quite strange though, who could have thought of that happening?). And the comedy? Hardly work I must say. First of all, there's too much randomness included in this, the parts should be put together in a better way and the dialogs should go under a deep construction - that's why the Coen's succeed so much in doing funny and dark tales. OK, not just dialogs, but also in developing believable, sustainable situations. This goes beyond ridiculous when the girl decides to meet the psychopath, completely alone on a park at midnight. Who does that? All in all, presentable, watchable and manageable. A good little flick, probably more known these days because of the cast, which is the main reason why you should see it. 8/10

carol-goodson Wish I could see this film, but I'm on my 3rd DVD from NetFlix, and the sound is no good on ANY of them. Very frustrating, because they say there is nothing they can do: all the DVDs are purchased directly from Westlake. Long history of customer complaints about the discs being unplayable because of the sound. Darn it!I am tempted to trying buying a copy somewhere, but how will I know that the one I buy isn't bad too? Other people have obviously seen it and not had the problems I have experienced. I checked the Westlake Entertainment website, but they don't even have this film listed. All suggestions will be gratefully received!

perkapita I rented the film for its elements (John Patrick Shanley, Tony Bill, obviously all of the cast members...) and I wasn't disappointed. It's not your basic thriller or even your basic offbeat ...uh...I don't know that there's a noun for this type of film. Cohen-y, quirky, but darker, less ironic...I think it falls into the 'you love it or hate it' category, like "A Box of Moonlight". Hmm. I don't think I could be less articulate about this work. How 'bout this: It's violent and funny. The performances are spot on. John Turturro is especially disturbing (as usual) as the psycho. And his mother (Rose Gregorio) is so strange and, like, aggressively out-of-it it's heartbreaking. The whole thing works so well that the ending - which does, at least for me, come as a surprise (or, rather, in that wonderful way, as a perfectly expected surprise) - is a true culmination of everything that came before. I think it's a great movie. The only reason I gave it "8" and not 10 is that I felt it was unnecessarily slow at points. But there you go. I liked Box of Moonlight.

sgtslovak Great movie with great acting. Having grown up in that part of the Bronx during that era, so much of the film rings true to me. As the film depicts there were good times & isolated horrific incidents. Shanley, the author has an ear for the rhythms of the era. Jodie Foster gives a nuanced understated performance portraying her character, making her very real.Tim Robbins in his pre-political gadfly days,also turns in an affecting performance.The supporting cast is excellent. I vividly recall the incident with the penguin in the fountain (much more benign in reality) from my teen age years. The film is a winner in every way.