Movie spotlight
Boardwalk
In this drama, David Rosen and his wife Becky have lived in the same Coney Island neighborhood for nearly all their married life. But the area is not what it used to be, and a gang leader named Strut has decided to make Coney Island his new turf. Strut begins shaking down the merchants in the area, demanding payment for "protection" and using violence to deal with anyone who gets in his way. David refuses to give Strut protection money for the restaurant he owns, and as a result his diner is soon firebombed, while many of his neighbors are attacked and his synagogue is desecrated.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman inherits a house from her estranged father, only to discover it's a front for a sophisticated gambling ring run by a seasoned mob boss. As she gets entangled in the dangerous world of organized crime, she must navigate the complex relationships and loyalties within the operation while trying to maintain her own safety and identity. The film explores themes of family, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of power.
Critical Reception
Boardwalk received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising Barry Levinson's directorial debut and the performances of its veteran cast, particularly Ruth Gordon and Lee Strasberg. However, some found the pacing uneven and the plot somewhat predictable.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its atmospheric portrayal of the criminal underworld.
Ruth Gordon and Lee Strasberg deliver compelling performances.
Some critics noted a lack of originality in the narrative.
Google audience: Audience reception for Boardwalk is not widely documented on Google. However, general sentiment suggests appreciation for the vintage crime drama feel and the acting prowess on display.
Fun Fact
Barry Levinson, known for later directing hits like 'Rain Man' and 'Good Morning, Vietnam,' made his directorial feature film debut with 'Boardwalk'.
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