Michael Corrente directs Peter Facinelli (Twilight Saga, Can’t Hardly Wait, Showtime’s Nurse Jackie), who wrote the story and the screenplay of Bobby, a young man struggling to keep his head above water as a pickpocket in New York City. Loosies refers to single cigarettes, “loosies,” that can be purchased (usually illegal) at stores or bars.
The core of the film is about Bobby and the girl, Lucy (yeah, play on the title), he reconnects with months later after a one night stand. There are so many different plot lines that it is difficult to focus on the two of them and the film becomes about the minor plots rather than about them. I would have liked if the film was more of a love story.
The story is populated with a fantastic array of actors including Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs), Joe Pantoliano (I can’t pick one, he’s in everything), William Forsythe (HBO’s Boardwalk Empire) and Vincent Gallo (Buffalo ‘66). The standout is Joe Pantoliano as the new boyfriend of Bobby’s mother. Playing against type, he’s a good guy and steals every scene. I was disappointed with William Forsythe and Michael Madsen as their characters really didn’t contribute to the story. It was really a hindrance to have such prominent actors in these roles as it gave more weight to that plot line when it should have been secondary. Vincent Gallo, however, is perfect for his part of the fence that Bobby is trying to pay off. His wild-eyed look and calm but crazy demeanor is enjoyable and stands out.
The city is a fantastic backdrop and I found it especially entertaining because of all the shots of the subway. Often in higher budget films, characters are not using the subway because it’s just easier to film them taking cabs. This is misleading to those who are not familiar with New York City, so I always love seeing when a film is able to shoot how most people actually get around.
The style and music of the film is very elementary, but has potential. I found that a lot of the scenes that should have been more thrilling were downplayed due to the soundtrack. On the same note, the camera angles seemed to be trying too hard to be unique and often were unnatural and uncomfortable.
Lastly, I am concerned that the film feeds into the paranoia about pickpockets in New York City. Yes, it happens, but I honestly don’t want to recommend the film for people outside of NYC just because of their misguided ideas of crime here. Sad, but true.
Rating: A fun romp with great actors, but not memorable. 5/10
Limited release on January 11, 2012. Currently available nationwide on VOD.
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