Watched it on cable, didn't know nothing about it but felt like a really well built drama. Loved the way the story was told through the eyes of the different characters (although not terribly original. I tend to not to like movies with Ethan Hawke (sorry Ethan, I can't explain it), but I loved this one. I live in Portugal and the cable channel where I watched it - AXN Black or MOV, I'm not sure - translated the original title ("Staten Island") to "Não Há Crimes Perfeitos" - "There are No Perfect Crime". This, clearly low budget - indie movie is inspired by Cohen Brothers, Tarantino but also by classics like Hitchcock. I believe that was not a waste of time.

I watched this movie because one of my friends insisted me to. I have to admit that I didn't expect much in this movie at first but it turned out to be a great movie.First, the characters are well-developed. You can not expect a stronger or more convincing performance from Seymour Cassel. I think he definitely deserves an Oscar for this cast. Ethan Hawke is just as great. I can see in him a father who is, well, a little dumb but loves his wife and his unborn kid with all his heart.Second, about the plot. The story is quite slow and easy-flowing. Some may find that it makes you feel kinda sleepy. But trust me, the more you watch this movie, the more you will find it entertaining and meaningful. I can not promise that you will love this movie but I believe that it will make you feel relieved and relaxed. I myself smiled at the end of the movie and thanked my friend for having introduced to me such a touching movie. If you are still hesitating whether you should watch this movie or not, hesitate no more. Watch it. Strongly recommended. 9/10.

The introduction was very well done, and the acting across the board was quite good. Other than that you have a draggy film with lots of repeat footage that devolves into the Godfather as tree hugger as hippies take over a small woods. What? Drama into farce.How many times did we have to see Scully (?) come in to pick up his bologna? Each time with an extra second which reveals another detail in the plot, I suppose. The problem is that none of this is really important and after the fifth or sixth time you begin wondering if something is wrong with the CD.I really wanted to like this movie because my Dad grew up in Great Kills. And the background material was interesting. But despite the best efforts of the actors and actresses the movie never really went anywhere. A few poignant vignettes does not a movie make; at least not a good one.

I watched this the first time and didn't quite work it out, so watched it again and loved it. It is a COMEDY no mistake and don't be put off by the gore. it is a clever compelling comedy with some very good dialogue and excellent linking between the three main characters, mainly I feel on Tarzo the gangster/mobster and Jasper the deaf and mute butcher who is a real star in this movie, a sort of low level vigilante. I like the -save the tree' speech by Tarzo and his protest speech to the journalist. It does take a while for the whole story to gell a bit and for the three main characters to come together. Guess it shows Staaten island in a good light and all islanders will like the public attention the film brings. I have visited Manhattan island but not staaten and doubt I will ever visit there. do they make horror movies there also? this is not a serious movie and its with the trend of bad lieutenant (nck cage) of teasing the audience with a serious topic in a drama and making it humorous.