Las tres caras del crimen

OK, so it's no "State of Grace", so it's no "Departed". Let's suspend the need to compare it to other movies about the Irish mob, or what it's like in urban Irish-American neighborhoods. The story is a little scattered, and it's a little hard to believe that Helen spends so much time resenting Frankie and then just does a complete 360 and wants to be with him. What stands out here is the cast. Armand Assante and Chazz Palminteri, while maybe a little mis-cast, turn in some impressive performances. These actors make you forget they're not really Irish (even though their characters are supposed to be)because they're so good at what they do. William Baldwin certainly shows some versatility, Connie Britton (who you may remember from Brothers McMullen) really makes you believe her heartbreak, and maybe a surprise to some of you is the scene stealing performance from Jim Breuer, as the least tainted member of the "brotherhood" who's girlfriend gets pregnant. He ends up as a hysterical deer-in-the-headlights when confronted by her father and the parish priest.

This movie is at least worth a rental.

Not even worth the price of a rental. This movie stunk, from the acting to the cinematography. I rented this hoping that if was a fraction as good as Goodfellows, it might be worth watching; especially since there aren't many good movies about the Irish mafia.

The narrator started off by stating how notoriously mean these "Westies" were, but they certainly were not anything special in this movie. Yeah, a couple of action scenes with cliché tough talk, but mostly just bad dialog and dancing, riddled with a few fist fights with too much fake blood. Watching William Baldwin try to "act" the tough guy is like watching Lisa Lampanelli act sexy (no offense to Lisa!). Baldwin was just horrible, as was Jim Breuer(Half Baked), was that supposed to be a joke? I could go on, but it would just be waste of time.

I give it a 2/10, just because there are some movies that are worse.

good story, great cast, good acting---a low budget sleeper---Baldwin good, Assante great as ever and Leo Rossi in a good supporting role---some of the best parts played by relative unknowns---and Jason Gedrick as a junkie???

---who would have thought---but it works---made in 2001,sat on the shelf too long---just as good as Sean Penn's movie about the Westies---a poor man's "mean streets"--Chaz Palmentierri is great as the neighborhood cop, --- i think that they could have beefed up his part a little more, but his performance is solid as ever--a new york guy for a new york role---i think that the exteriors were shot right in hell's kitchen---good ending ties up the story--well done

This movie might have been enjoyable if the dialog was intelligible but between the marble mouthed delivery of most of the male cast and the intrusive background noise it was nearly impossible to follow what the characters were saying.

I appreciate the chiaroscuro aspects of the photography but this film takes noir into the heart of darkness. A good part of the action and some critical scenes are shot under the light of the new moon.

When there is no light at all I suppose there's no need for players, sets or crew except for the sound people and we've already dealt with them.

I am very disappointed that a lot of people are bashing this film. I thought it was great. I mean, sure the picture quality wasn't in its prime but it gives it character. I very much enjoyed the directors choice of narration and overall order of the story. For those who think its too long, i have to say, calm down. Appreciate the movie for what it is, its not going to change. The reason this movie seems slow and drawn out is because most movies have so much crammed into 90 minutes which creates a loss of patience for other movies. I generally enjoy any movie that Chazz Palminteri is involved with, and this is no exception. I thought Jim Breuer was a nice touch, and i was impressed with William Baldwin. I gladly recommend this movie to all. Don't just take my word for it, watch it. Who knows maybe you'll like it.