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What is Robert De Niro doing in this also-ran?
City By The Sea lacks tension, is endowed with weak pace
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Arthur J Pais
In his illustrious film career, Robert De Niro has acted in some of the most memorable films of all times. Taxi Driver, for instance. And some really funny movies such as Analyze This. There have also been a number of washouts like Showtime.
In-between there are the also-ran films. City By The Sea is one such. It is not an embarrassment. But it is also not a film that can be strongly recommended. Don't expect it to float long, even if there are no challengers around.
Despite a very talented cast, including Frances McDormand, and an interesting plot, the movie lacks the tension needed to light up the box-office. Don't be surprised if it trails behind My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which might gross about $12 million this weekend, followed by $9.5 million for Signs, which is expected to cross $200 million by Saturday night.
And if none of the recent movies, including City By The Sea interest you, you might either want to catch up with or revisit Sony's Spider-Man and Men in Black 2, which are being offered in a two-in-one package this week.
In City By The Sea, De Niro plays a respected New York City homicide detective Vincent LaMarca whose son Joey (James Franco) is murder suspect.
A loner, Vincent had sought to keep away from his past, especially after he divorced Joey's mother. But his internal conflicts have been eating him up slowly. Now, the past threatens his hermit-like private life.
Meanwhile, he is also reminded of his own father, a convicted killer executed when Joey was a small boy. As Vincent LaMarca continues his investigation with the singular purpose of bringing the guilty to justice, he also begins to wonder how much he might have contributed to Joey's psychological problems. If Joey has to be brought to justice, Vincent LaMarca also realises the young man needs help to rehabilitate himself. Can the hero detective do right by his family and his professional responsibilities?
Directed by Michael Caton-Jones, City By The Sea has many tense, intriguing and engaging situations. Watch out for how Vincent tells his girlfriend (McDormand) about his troubled family and the mess he is in now.
But a plodding pace weighs down those wonderful moments. The action shots that last for nearly 14 minutes seem forced.
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