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Notes:
The murder investigation draws Vincent home to Long Beach, the self-proclaimed "City by the Sea," where the past has been waiting for him to return. In the course of his investigation, Vincent discovers that his own unresolved pain and failures as a father have deeply influenced Joey’s life and the destructive choices he has made.
Drama - This slow-paced drama is aimed at older moviegoers, and indeed that
is the audience most likely to enjoy this film. More prudish
moviegoers may be turned off by the violence, and strong language,
which makes the film inappropriate for young children.
PROFANITY: Over 30 F-words, 19 S-words, 3 GD's, and a lot of others. SEX/NUDITY: None. VIOLENCE: Bloody shootings and fights. DRUGS/ALCOHOL: Drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. ACTION: None. COMEDY: None.
The above rating is an average of the critic reviews below.
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Entertainment Weekly
Full
Review Good "City by the Sea moves along with a quietude, a scruffy
direct plainness that has long gone out of style. At least, it has on the big
screen.''
James Berardinelli, Internet Critic
Full
Review Good "...But, until the closing moments, this is a motion picture
of real character - a film that tells a compelling story in a way that raises
issues and questions beyond what one expects from a genre picture.''
Roger EbertFull
Review Good "City by the Sea is not an extraordinary movie. In its
workmanship it aspires not to be remarkable but to be well made, dependable,
moving us because of the hurt in the hero's eyes.''
USA TODAYFull
Review Good "It's a run-of-the-mill cop thriller but also a gripping
family drama. It is in the moments spent untangling the threads of troubled
relationships that the movie is at its best.''
Note: The rating
above is our interpretation of what the critic would give this movie based on their review.
We are not affiliated with these critic's in any way.
Be sure to read the
DETAILED OPINIONS
The positive and negative comments made by moviegoers are very
helpful when selecting a movie that's appropriate for you and your family.
OPINION OVERVIEW The following is the original "What's Worth
Watching" write-up for this movie.
Moviegoer Opinions:
Around half enjoyed "City by the Sea." Most of the remaining half rated it as OK, but many didn't think much of it, rating it "Poor." The most common complaint was that it was slow, especially at the beginning. Also, many didn't like the ending because it left too many unanswered questions. One person said it just wasn't what he expected, which is apparently something many moviegoers felt.
I probably should have better explained in my prediction that this is a gritty, dark, true-to-life story that is sometimes depressing (which many complained about). There's really not much suspense or excitement except at the end.
If, after reading the above, you still feel "City by the Sea" is a movie you would enjoy, chances are good that you will indeed enjoy it. Everyone else should skip it or wait for the video.
Cinema Review Prediction: (before moviegoer opinions are collected)
If you enjoy police dramas I have no doubt that you will enjoy "City by the Sea." It's intense and well acted. The story is very dramatic and interesting. I found it entertaining even though I'm not a big fan of this type of movie. I have no problem recommending "City by the Sea" to all adults, but I feel it will be enjoyed most by fans of police dramas.
New York City homicide
detective Vincent LaMarca (ROBERT De NIRO) has forged a long and distinguished
career in law enforcement, making a name for himself as a man intensely
committed to his work. But on his latest case, the stakes are higher for Vincent
– the suspect he's investigating is his own son, Joey (JAMES FRANCO).
Vincent and Joey have
been painfully estranged ever since Vincent divorced Joey's mother and left
the decaying boardwalks of Long Beach, Long Island for the anonymity of
Manhattan and a successful career with the NYPD. He lives his life in solitude,
keeping his girlfriend (FRANCES McDORMAND) at arm's length. The closest
relationship he maintains is with his partner, Reg (GEORGE DZUNDZA) – and
Vincent makes sure that stops at the precinct door. As long as Vincent lives in
the protection of the present, he doesn't have to deal with the pain of his
past.
