Robert Davi remains unfettered by the unpleasant vagaries of the present-day movie scene by co-writing and directing a thoroughly entertaining first-feature, THE DUKES.As one of the most interesting character actors working today, you'll quickly recognize him from his role as the uber-villain in James Bond's LICENSE TO KILL, and a deranged crook in GOONIES, and in literally dozens of roles in film and television. A native son of Astoria, Queens, Mr. Davi studies with the great Stella Adler. Some time ago, he met singer Jay (JAY & THE Americans) Black, a group that had a steady stream of hits in the early 1960's, but as time passed and he was no longer Number One, Black was finding difficulty in earning a living. These discussions between actor and singer resulted provided the kernel for THE DUKES.With a jaunty intro by radio legend, Cousin Brucie, we enter the world of a fictitious past-their-prime singing group. The years have not been particularly kind to these teenagers who've grown to mature men still possessing all the passion of youth and aching for artistic fulfillment. Mr. Davi, who possesses an amazing singing voice, acts opposite a first-class cast consisting of Chazz Palminteri, Peter Bogdanovich, Miriam Margolyes and Elya Baskin. If you plan on being entertained, see this film!

This is a well done both smart and funny film--I haven't seen in a long time. A well-casted, perfectly set movie that had great plot to a story. Robert Davi has definitely made a stride in this movie. I love the fact the he takes real-life subjects--such as using "family" and "music" as his motivation to thrive in life. I sure would like to see some more of this kind of stories these days. This film is great for family and friends. "The Dukes" is undeniably entertaining and more importantly--inspiring for all ages. This movie is definitely on its way. Congratulations to Robert Davi for his directorial debut--as he out did himself more so than ever. I love this movie. Please do not miss it.

Robert did a superb job directing this heartfelt drama, it is refreshing to see a film that does not fit like a cookie cutter into the typical studio mold yet keeps your interest and warms your heart. Robert seems to be very influenced by other great Itallian directors and gives a certain European flair to this wonderful offbeat film that is sure to be a welcome change of pace from the typical Hollywood formula film.The film is an interesting character study about loyalty and friendship that has lasted several decades through the good times and the bad. It is about survival, redemption, and the irony of life, and explores the darkside of good people who sometimes make bad decissions but ultimately triumph in their own peculiar way.Robert may have a different take on the film than I do, after all he is the creator and the artist behind it, and I am just the Producer, but I am very proud of the work we did and the final product and I think that this film will be well received.

What a great film - it was evocative of the sixties - stylish - and the feel was one that grabbed you from the first frames - there's a wonderful story and secondary stories that are hilarious - saw it last night at the Newport Beach Film Festival - what a cast - Hollywood stalwarts Robert Davi and Chaz Palmenteiri star as over the hill Doo Wop stars who are running out of money and work, but they earn their kudos up against Joe Campanella and Peter Bogdonavich - and the music, a Doo Wop background set with a crazy crime caper - it will hook you and give you two hours of pure pleasure. Pure enjoyment, this is so classy and well done! I didn't know that Robert Davi had directed this, but what a debut - the style of the cinematographer was evocative of the glossy old school, which was the heart of the story, and all effects worked to push the story and the mood. This is sure to be a surprise winner of the Festival that also birthed the premieres of "Crash" and "The Illusionist."