Dreadfully Boring

In other words,this film is a surreal ride.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

A comprehensive look at Vincent A. Cianci, Jr. -- known to all in the Providence area as simply "BUDDY". In my four decades as a Rhode Islander, I have observed the ups and downs of this charismatic mayor. Ms. Arnold captures his essence and makes a fair film where it would have been easy to be judgmental. She rounds up 'all the usual suspects' that make our small state interesting -- making an entertaining portrait of Buddy, our most colorful character.Unlike the A&E "City Confidential" (2004), a crime documentary which also dealt with the 'Plunder Dome' scandal fairly, Arnold's film delves into Cianci's persona, showing his Jekyll/Hyde history as mayor. Surviving his early years through raw intelligence and wit, he later made several errors that cost him dearly. Former Rhode Islander, James Woods does an excellent job as narrator in tying the film together. I remain skeptical of Buddy's guilt (he still maintains his innocence) -- I suppose only he and his chief aid, Frank Corrente, really know the whole truth. Even though 'All politics is local', this film should be of interest to all Americans as an absorbing case study.

This movie was simply excellent. It firmly follows the political legacy of Cianci from its genesis to its supposed end. Facts are presented plainly, without heavy-handed interpretation. The amount of primary footage from the Cianci era used in the film is astounding. Interviewees include aids to Cianci, executives of the Providence Phoenix, fellow politicos, the FBI agent who investigated Cianci, University of Rhode Island and Brown University professors, and common citizens of Providence. The documentary is extremely informative (though probably less so if you are a life-long Rhode Islander) and entirely entertaining, without looking like a rock concert (like Fahrenheit 9/11.) I'm a fan of Cinci myself, however I do have to say that the movie was very kind to him. The worst impression one gets about him is that he was lonely and sad. He could have been portrayed much worse. All said and done, this movie is well worth the kazillion dollars to go see it at Providence Place.

Cherry Arnold has done an excellent job of capturing the many conflicting sides of one of the truly historical figures in Providence's political history.Truly deserving of a 10 rating and must see for those who are interested in politics and urban government.Buddy Cianci was a colorful and energetic Mayor who consistently promoted the City of Providence. He was known for attending every event possible . It was said that he'd go to the opening of an envelope.At the same time there were always rumors of corruption or at a minimum heavy-handed politics. He was convicted of a crime, reelected and ultimately convicted again. He returns to providence this summer having served his sentence. It is anticipated that he will resume a career as a very popular and controversial radio talk show host.

What a wonderful surprise "BUDDY' was. The filmmaker managed to evoke all sorts of emotions about this small-town, enigmatic mayor who, despite himself,turned the city of Rhode Island from a corrupt operation into a beautiful blueprint for a great American city.BUDDY is one of those films you that definitely stays with you --many discussions were had about whether BUDDY CIANCI was a "good" guy or a "bad" guy masquerading as a do-go-oder. You are never quite sure if you're rooting for Cianci or for the government who is trying to catch him. It was well-written, funny at times; tragic at others, and the archive footage of Cianci was excellent. Also, the filmmaker's access to Cianci just prior to his conviction was really, really great. A truly entertaining, interesting documentary.