A Bronx Tale

This movie should have been right up my alley. Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, gangsters, and New York in the 1960s—what's not to love? But, unfortunately, "A Bronx Story" just fell flat for me.

The shots of the city, while atmospheric, feel repetitive and uninspired. Rather than making viewers feel part of the community, the film's depiction of the Bronx feels like a missed opportunity, lacking the depth and vibrancy that such a setting demands.

The storytelling in "A Bronx Story" attempts to dive into the complexities of urban life and familial bonds but falls short of delivering a compelling narrative. The characters, though well-intentioned, are rendered with a lack of depth, making it hard to connect with their journeys. The film's pacing is uneven, and the plot feels disjointed, failing to build the tension and emotional resonance that the story aims for.

It's not without its moments. When Palminteri's character asks some unruly customers to leave and they refuse, he locks the door and tells them, "Now you can't leave." I was terrified from the comfort of my living room.

But overall, I just didn't care what happened to the characters. I finished the movie disappointed. It blends into the background of countless other urban dramas, and unfortunately, it doesn’t warrant a second viewing.

-NHC