Lawrence Konner – Cut To The Chase

Directed By: Mark Rosenthal

Written By: Mark Rosenthal and Lawrence Konner

Cinematography: Anthony Richmond

Editor: Jeffery Wolf

Cast: Donovan Leitch, Jennifer Runyon, Joe Pantoliano, Sean Gregory Sullivan, Bruce Kirby, Scott Plank, Wendy Gazelle, Charlotte D’Amboise, Page Hannah

A young man of the rock and roll generation is in his senior year of high school. When one day he successfully gets on a popular teen dance television show he becomes a star. The plot follows him as he lives his new life in his new world. What he finds are adoring fans, jealous rivals, bitter friends left behind, and the girl of his dreams…his dance partner.

This film used to be on all the time on the legendary (To me at least) Flix Channel that Moore played films from the past 90s 80s 70s even 60s some even older but they mostly stayed within those decades.

I would always see glimpses of this film and advertisements, but never managed to catch the whole film. In fact the only scene I really remember was when Joe Potano goes into the star of the film Donovan Leitch’s classroom to retrieve them and decides he won’t take them out until the end of class and then they all have a discussion about Charles Dickens book A TALE OF TWO CITIES.

Now decades later, I finally got to watch this film, beginning to end, and while it leans heavily into nostalgia, there is that feeling that this is kind of a b-movie, less campy more romantic version of HAIRSPRAY (even though they came out in the same year. Like competing products with similar stories to revolve around) and of course it’s very white washed version of it too with no real mention of Race that at least was a major plot point for the other film. This seems just wanna almost be an updated HAPPY DAYS blast from the past.

Though it does pay a lot more attention to character. I wish there was more Joe Pantoliano throughout.

Now, while the film is more nostalgic less overall comedic. It does try to show the changing times, but sticks with a universal youth story. Surprised at how much this film chooses to be a study of class, but then again once you take Race out of the equation you gotta have some story of the haves and have nots.

There are quite a few things that are memorable by the end. Sean Gregory Sullivan is a scene stealer as Popeye, as well as a cameo from Peter Boyle and a dance battle in a loving room that has to be seen to be believed

By the end, the film isn’t necessarily remarkable. It’s a fun watch and fits along with all those 80s and 90s films that seem to want to take a look back at the 1950s and 60s through a more coming of age, romantic and throwback lens. Think movies like SHAG, THERE GOES MY BABY, 1969)

It’s an entertaining family film that tries to be rebellious, but by the end is all heart.

Grade: C+

Directed By: Alan Taylor
Written by: David Chase & Lawrence Konner
Cinematography: Kramer Morgenthau
Editor: Christopher Tellefsen

Cast: Alessandro Nivola, Ray Liotta, Leslie Odom Jr, Vera Farmiga, Jon Bernthal, Corey Stoll, Michael Gandolfini, Michaela De Rossi, Billy Magnussen, John Magaro, Joey Diaz, Talia Balsam, Ed Marinaro

Before becoming the notorious crime legend, young and inexperienced Anthony Soprano was under the wing of his father figure and mentor, Dickie Moltisanti. Against the backdrop of racial injustice during the violent 1967 Newark riots in the streets of Newark, New Jersey, and a destructive, all-out gang war with ambitious, mighty challengers, Uncle Dickie shows Tony the ropes, paving the way for a new era in crime.

Not really a continuation, but a prequel to see those who came before Tony Soprano and his crew and a glimpse into the environment she not only grew up in but the character who would surround him And guide him.

The film also offers insight into these characters and the ones we already know from the series. This is fun, As here we see them when they are younger and struggling for power. As some of the actions and treachery will have us looking at certain characters differently.

The film offers mroe of a psychological character glimpse and more examines Christopher’s father and Tony’s uncle Dickie we see how he goes about his business and affairs, especially after his father passed away and he is thrust into more of a leadership position. Who influenced Tony soprano and offers eventually a glimpse of what could have been.

As with the series, the film feels dense and has depth. Some of which are told and have some deeper meanings left unsaid but reflected in reactions and situations.

There is a femme fatale of sorts who is innocent in her aspirations and character but who up the stakes for dickie constantly and seem to be the cause of bad decisions and downfalls.

As the film does concern itself with race. Especially African Americans. The second half of the film concentrates on a mob war between the Italians and the African American crew run by Leslie Odom Jr’s character who used to work for him.

The film takes full advantage of the uncomfortable race relations of the original show. There I was always on the edges where it is flat out in your face and a plot point

It feels like a natural progression for the film to concern race. As African Americans were largely absent from the series and the few times they were seemed disparaging also the casual racism of the main characters of the show shines through. Here it seems to try and make up for a lack of them on the show by offering a few more characters Of color here.

Still with racist and insulting language and attitudes. Though with less mention of the N-Word. Though the film offers even if at times feels needlessly done in a classic but new time period.

The film showcases the domino effect of how one act eventually destroys and influences so many. In what could have been positive. Which ends up setting the stage for the show. Even if out of pettiness.

The film doesn’t feel like a one-off it feels like the beginning of more stories or prequels to tell us the story of Tony’s eventual rise to power.

Even if beautifully shot, it still feels like two flashback episodes that could have easily been part of the show. Plenty of nuances, Unfortunately for some that include taking It’s time abs not necessarily being that action-oriented or anything too monumental happening. As that was never what the show was truly about but people looked at it for. As anything action-oriented usually came out of nowhere not when you were expecting it in the first place.

The film doesn’t really change or offer too much insight or anything to shock the audience. Especially for those familiar with the show. Who will end up being the most entertained by this film.

Grade: C

Tag: Lawrence Konner

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