I thought that some of you might be interested in knowing what it's like to actually work on films like these. I was on the crew as a Production Assistant. It was an independent film (not produced by a major Hollywood studio) which meant a low budget. We shot it mostly in Brooklyn where the real Russian mob have been known to operate from. It was an extremely difficult movie to work on because it was poorly managed and there were a lot of jerks on the crew. I think a big reason why so many people acted like they did was because of the utter chaos which stressed everyone out. On most other productions they are probably nicer people. The producers didn't care that we didn't have enough resources to do our jobs because all they wanted to do was keep the budget down. The production coordinator had the nerve to ask me to work on Thanksgiving and then got annoyed when I refused. We worked six days a week at an average of 15 hours a day. Then near the end they laid off a bunch of us, including me because of budget problems. Several other Production Assistants quit beforehand which I can say from experience is not typical, even on low budget movies. They also fired a few other members of the crew. I will admit it was a good film when I saw it and was amazed they were able to pull if off considering how much they screwed up the actual shoot. I invite all comments and questions.

This is an offbeat, often funny film about a taxman who is investigating a crime when he meets a Russian family and eventually begins to care about them. There are twists but it is mostly a character driven film. Joe Pantoliano is (as usual) great as the taxman. Elizabeth Berkley does a good job as the Russian daughter. Her accent is on target. Robert "The Meteor Man" Townsend is also in it who does an okay job as a lawyer. Joe Pantoliano never gets praise when praise is due. He always puts at least a little effort and energy into all his roles. He usually steals all the movies where he is a supporting character. As evident with this film, he is definitely ready for the lead roles.For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com

In first place, I am a great fan of the main "star" in this film -one of my favourite cop-thrillers- Joe Pantoliano shines at wisdom gained by one long career devoted to acting in small productions, TV series and indie movies. Of course he is not a conventional "star", he is a real actor turning into real characters in screen, like this one, specially memorable through the last two scenes, although I must say all this story is paced in a brilliant directing way by Avi Nesher. Very important the last performance of sadly deceased Wade Dominguez, Robert Townsend and Elizabeth Berkley, whom I hated her before this.

I agree with The New York Times review of this wonderful independent film -- it is a "charmer of a mystery... endearing and wacky!" Pantoliano is, as always, remarkable in his performance (He should be way more famous)!!!! The direction is unbelievable, a truly original looking movie, subtle yet powerful. A lot like the great movies of the seventies. I am only sorry that these types of movies are not en vogue because of the teen explosion... Otherwise I think Pantoliano would get an Oscar nod! Elizabeth Berkley is fantastic in it as well. I would rush out and rent it on video!A+