kerem-ozdural I don't usually write reviews here either, like most of the other people said so, but as opposed to them, I think it is my duty to warn other people that this is one of the worst movies I've ever watched. One thing I can accept is that the acting was good if not great, but that's all can be said about this movie. There was not a particular plot in the story. Almost 40 minutes of watching, I still had to ask myself "So what is this movie about? What story does it tell?" Well, it doesn't have a particular story at all. It just drifts from one event to another, probably claiming that it is trying to depict a family, but no. Also, there're almost no actions in the movie. People talk about things happened to them all the time, but do we ever see these things happening? No. We just see people talk, talk and talk without seeing anything actually happening. And if that much of talking is not enough, a VO narrator interrupts now and then to tell us what more have happened, or what people feel/think about particular situations - which we don't actually see happening.If there're people who love this kind of story telling, I strongly suggest them to watch plays where they will see what a real drama should look like while people keep talking.

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.

valsokal A couple of fans of Natalia Livingston's and I went to see this movie when it premiered in LA at the 68 Cents Theatre in LA a couple of months back. I have been anxiously awaiting some sort of release date but nothing at this point which is a shame because a lot of people are missing out on a great movie.As a fan of Natalia's, we all thought she was terrific. She was vulnerable, sweet, sensitive in this movie like she is in person. As for the rest of the cast, I think the lead Ronnie Marmo who also wrote this film is another undiscovered talent in Hollywood along with Natalia. He is one of the best things about this film and the story he wrote here is just so real and heartwarming. I saw the film Juno and even though the subject matter in this film and Juno were completely different, it reminded me of that movie maybe be cause there was humor and heartbreaking moments throughout the film. When Sebi's mom died I was crying.Anyway, I have no idea how and when this is going to be released. I just hope they get this film into a film festival so that many others in the industry can see how wonderful a movie this is. It is a travesty that this movie has not been distributed yet. Audiences out there are really missing out on a lovely independent film. Little Miss Sunshine here we come.

sandiegochick I went to the premiere and the movie was awesome. Ronnie is terrific and he produced and wrote a great film. Natalia , who happens to be a favorite of mine and is the reason I attended, was great. Natalia played "Matty" effortlessly. I have to say the rest of the cast was also wonderful, Ronnie in particular. This guy is a great talent and why Hollywood has not picked up on this I cannot imagine. I have to say I laughed at this movie and cried real tears believe it or not. I absolutely fell in love with each and every character in the film. We had a chance to speak with Ronnie Marmo(I am sure he does not remember us)- The writer and producer. He seemed excited about the film and really happy with it. Ronnie if we did not tell you, GREAT GREAT GREAT job. You are a tremendous talent and a real person, not plastic and fake like many in Hollywood. I hope this is the start to great things for you.Natalia was not there the night we went, but I understand she was at some other screenings. Natty if you are reading this, we love you and great job.