Directed and co-written by Judd Apatow (along with Pete Davidson and Dave Sirus), this movie shares much in common with “Knocked Up,” although it isn’t as quite as good. Highlighting Seth Rogan’s comedic strengths, “Knocked Up” was a very funny film about a man-child’s journey to maturity. “The King of Staten Island” is better considered to be a serious drama with considerable comic relief. It’s a good movie, with a great ensemble cast and plenty of funny moments, but Davidson isn’t much of an actor, so the film is primarily carried by Marisa Tomei and Bill Burr. In addition, the movie is just way too long at 136 minutes, featuring a couple extraneous scenes that could easily have been cut. (Marty Scorsese probably helped with the editing, although he isn’t given any official credit.) Despite these problems, I still enjoyed the film, even though it costs $19.95 to rent on Amazon Prime.
The movie begins with Scott Carlin (Davidson) driving with his eyes closed, pedal-to-the-metal, in an unsuccessful attempt to end his pathetic life. He’s 24, but still lives with his mother, Maggie (Tomei). He has a semi-girlfriend, Kelsey (Bel Powley), but he keeps their relationship a secret. Scott can’t hold a job, but dreams of one day becoming a tattoo artist. Scott’s arrested development was primarily caused by his fireman father’s tragic death from 9/11 when Scott was a boy. (The movie is apparently partly autobiographical, since Pete’s father really was a fireman who died in 9/11.) Scott’s very-pretty mother hasn’t moved on, either, since she hasn’t dated since her husband died. His sister, Claire (Maude Apatow), is a nervous wreck worrying about him. His poor judgment on full display, Scott tattoos a 9-year-old, which brings the boy’s fuming father, Ray (Bill Burr), whose wife has recently left him, to their house. Ray is taken with Maggie and asks her out, sending Scott over the edge – he doesn’t want his worshipped father or himself replaced! To add insult to injury, Ray also turns out to be a fireman. The film primarily is about how the three of them help each other move on with their lives.
The film has a wonderful ensemble cast, including Steve Buscemi as “Papa.” “The King of Staten Island” isn’t movie “royalty” (and probably won’t be in anyone’s Top 10 list), but it’s still worth the $19.95.
Directed and co-written by Judd Apatow (along with Pete Davidson and Dave Sirus), this movie shares much in common with "Knocked Up," although it isn't as quite as good. Highlighting Seth Rogan's comedic strengths, "Knocked Up" was a very funny film about a man-child's journey to maturity. "The King of Staten Island" is better considered to be a serious drama with considerable comic relief. It's a good movie, with a great ensemble cast and plenty of funny moments, but Davidson isn't much of an actor, so the film is primarily carried by Marisa Tomei and Bill Burr. In addition, the movie is just way too long at 136 minutes, featuring a couple extraneous scenes that could easily have been cut. (Marty Scorsese probably helped with the editing, although he isn't given any official credit.) Despite these problems, I still enjoyed the film, even though it costs $19.95 to rent on Amazon Prime. The movie begins with Scott Carlin (Davidson) driving with his eyes closed, pedal-to-the-metal, in an unsuccessful attempt to end his pathetic life. He's 24, but still lives with his mother, Maggie (Tomei). He has a semi-girlfriend, Kelsey (Bel Powley), but he keeps their relationship a secret. Scott can't hold a job, but dreams of one day becoming a tattoo artist. Scott's arrested development was primarily caused by his fireman father's tragic death from 9/11 when Scott was a boy. (The movie is apparently partly autobiographical, since Pete's father really was a fireman who died in 9/11.) Scott's very-pretty mother hasn't moved on, either, since she hasn't dated since her husband died. His sister, Claire (Maude Apatow), is a nervous wreck worrying about him. His poor judgment on full display, Scott tattoos a 9-year-old, which brings the boy's fuming father, Ray (Bill Burr), whose wife has recently left him, to their house. Ray is taken with Maggie and asks her out, sending Scott over the edge – he doesn't want his worshipped father or himself replaced! To add insult to injury, Ray also turns out to be a fireman. The film primarily is about how the three of them help each other move on with their lives. The film has a wonderful ensemble cast, including Steve Buscemi as "Papa." "The King of Staten Island" isn't movie "royalty" (and probably won't be in anyone's Top 10 list), but it's still worth the $19.95.
The King of Staten Island: Not Quite Royalty
The King of Staten Island: Not Quite Royalty
2020-06-19
David
75
7.5
Terrific Ensemble Cast!
Bill Burr Steals the Movie!
User Rating : No Ratings Yet !
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