The Many Saints of Newark

Synopsis:

Young Anthony Soprano is growing up in one of the most tumultuous eras in Newark, N.J. history, becoming a man just as rival gangsters start to rise up and challenge the all-powerful DiMeo crime family. Caught up in the changing times is the uncle he idolizes, Dickie Moltisanti, whose influence over his nephew will help shape the impressionable teenager into the all-powerful mob boss, Tony Soprano.

Movie Review: :

“The Many Saints of Newark” is directed by Alan Taylor, and it is the prequal of the iconic TV show “The Sopranos”. This film tells the story of Dickie (Tony Soprano’s uncle) who teaches him about a life of crime. As someone who hasn’t seen a single episode of “The Sopranos” I really enjoyed this movie, and it makes me want to watch the series. The best character in the movie is Alessandro Nivola as Dickie Moltisanti. He carries this film with his ruthless, charming, and dangerous personality along with a relationship with his impressionable nephew Tony Soprano and you have the heart of this movie. Of course, there is family drama, racism of the late 60s and early 70s, and Dickie’s empire rising and falling. Michael Gandolfini plays the younger teenager Tony Soprano a role that he took over by his late father James Gandolfini. He looks just like his late father, and he acts like him as well (mannerisms/facial expressions). I loved the friendship between Tony and Dickie and how it evolves from beginning to end. The supporting cast was strong with Vera Farmiga, Jon Bernthal and Corey Stoll. Vera Farmiga plays Livia Soprano (Tony’s mother) and she has a terrible relationship with her son. I wasn’t a big fan of Leslie Odom, Jr.’s character who is trying to kill Dickie or his story. Unfortunately, parts of the film felt like I was watching a TV show and at times it was slow moving. But it was an entertaining mob movie. I am giving “The Many Saints of Newark” a 3.5/5 stars.

Director: Alan Taylor

Cast: Alessandro Nivola, Jon Bernthal, Joey Diaz, Leslie Odom, Jr., Corey Stoll, Michael Gandolfini, Gabriella Piazza with Ray Liotta and Vera Farmiga

Runtime: 120 minutes