City by the Sea (DVD, 2003, Widescreen)

In this movie, City by the Sea, you will find that it starts out in 1970 with a nice photo of Long Beach, California. Young Joey has grown over the years and has turned into a junkie. Vince, played by Robert DeNiro is a Cop in New York who is investigating a murder. The findings of his investigation takes him to where he grew up in Long Beach, California. He was one who really never spoke of his past and returning to Long Beach brings back memories. His son Joey is identified as a suspect to the murder investigation. This takes a toll on Vincent as growing up as a cop, he watched his father get executed for kidnapping a child and now his son become a murderer.

We like Robert DeNiro ... Usually any movie he's in is top notch. This one failed miserable in the enjoyment category. It started out bright enough with the boardwalk. As we soon find out ... that was in its hayday. The neighborhood once bright with hopes, dreams, and success becomes abandonded over time. This abandonment ties to the abandonment of DeNiro as a kid and his subsequent abandonment of his son Joey. The movie becomes dark as Joey devoid of hope turns to drugs, abandons his son, and is eventually involved in murder. DeNiro as a NY city cop investigates the body that washes ashore in his beat. The body identified by drivers license brings DeNiro back to his old presinct and haunts. Soon, his son is fingered and before long his partner is also murdered. The NYPD is out to get Joey and won't look at any evidence to the contrary because Joey's print was on the gun. The cop who took over DeNiro's desk believes different and shares evidence with DeNiro. Eventually, it all comes out in the wash. It's not said if Joey goes to prison for his self defense murder or not but we're left with DeNiro on the beach with his grandson waiting for his dad. DeNero talks to the boy about he and his dad going to Florida one day. The cycle of abandonment ends.

The theme was too dark for us but for those of you who enjoy such ... have a go at it.

Robert DeNiro. He's always good. Believable as a tough New York cop. As a former resident of Long Beach, N.Y., the city is not represented well in this movie. It's not as gritty (maybe one small section) but is much more suburban than depicted here. The story is entertaining, though. It's good but not good enough to pay those high theater prices. Watching it at home late at night or in a hotel room is the right venue. Have a couple of beers, some good New York pizza (a pie...), maybe some chinese and just lay back in the lounge chair and enjoy.

I found City By The Sea to be a steady drama - not a movie that has true climaxes or one that falls short. The story is good but at times the movie drags. As a DeNiro fan, I believe he stays true to his talent and provides a good performance. A bit more twists and action might have done this film a little more justice.

The whole cast is fantastic, but somehow, Deniro sweeps it away from the rest. I am admittedly a Deniro fan, but props are given to the whole cast as well. It all feels real, no one overdoes it. They all did a tremendous job here.
But it's the subtle nature of Deniro that reeled me in. I love his interactions with Francis and Franco. This is one of those ocassions where the typical "Deniro" facial expressions actually help the character.
It all connects back to a performance like in Deer Hunter, where subtlety and silence evoke as much passion and concern, and sadness, as his more vociferous roles do. His concern for Nicky in that one is so similar to his concern for his son in this one. Just beautiful to watch.
Of the last decade, and as an example of Deniro's roles as older man, this ranks as my favorite. Props to all involved.