Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Don't listen to the negative reviews

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Evidently inspired by a true story, the titular "City by the Sea" refers to Long Beach, New York, a decaying seaside town, where much of the action takes place. When a drug deal goes awry, a junkie named Joey kills the dealer, and, together with his buddy, he tosses the body into the sea. Eventually, the dealer's corpse washes up in Manhattan, where two cops are called in to investigate. In a bizarre twist of fate, one of the cops is Joey's estranged father. Meanwhile, Spyder, the local drug boss, displeased by the killing of one of his men and eager to regain respect in the neighborhood, also pursues Joey. In this gritty, downbeat story, few uplifting moments mitigate the tale of drugs, crime, and a supremely dysfunctional family.The cast is strong, and Robert De Niro as Vincent LaMarca, the cop pursuing his son, a suspected murderer, gives good performance as expected; LaMarca struggles not only with having to arrest his son, but also with his own past and the haunting legacy of his father. James Franco is a standout as Joey, the addict struggling with addiction and his father's abandonment. Frances McDormand is always an engaging actress, and, as Michelle, DeNiro's patient girl friend, she plays a woman who knows where she stands in life and the limits of her tolerance. Patti Lupone, the shrewish ex-wife, effectively lays all the blame for their son's problems on DeNiro, while George Dzundzas gives a low-key performance as Reg, DeNiro's loyal partner.Based on an article by Mike McAlary, Ken Hixon's screenplay slowly probes the shadows of LaMarca's multi-generational past and unveils Joey's secrets as well. Filmed in Asbury Park, New Jersey, the film is better than average, and director Michael Caton-Jones maintains a decent pace, although he can do little to brighten a gloomy story. The LaMarca family has decayed like the city of Long Beach; dark roots from the past reach up to strangle succeeding generations and threaten a future one. Fine performances, especially by Franco, make "City by the Sea" worthy viewing, although a stiff drink or a Valium may be required to lift viewers' moods afterwards.

"City by the Sea" is a drama starring Robert DeNiro, Frances McDorman, James Franco, and Eliza Dushku.Vincent Lamarca's father was executed for kidnapping a child in the 1950s, yet he became a police officer.Lamarca (DeNiro) has an excellent career, but now he's hit a major snag. On the case he's currently involved in, he has to investigate a suspect close to home - his own son, Joey (Franco). Lamarca is divorced from his wife and left what's known as the "city by the sea" of Long Beach on Long Island long ago, and isn't that close to Joey. Now he loves in Manhattan, where he lives a somewhat reclusive life. He has a girlfriend, Michelle (McDormand) but he hasn't made a commitment. He's close to his partner Reg (George Dzundza) but they don't have a friendship outside of the job.The murder brings him back to Long Beach, which is the past he can't confront, one where he is haunted by his father's execution as a convicted murderer when Vincent himself was just a child. Vincent learns, the hard way, that his separation from Joey has cost both of them, and now might cost his 18-month grandson, too, who may have to grow up without a father.This film is a real downer, driven by the heartfelt performance of DeNiro as a man in obvious pain beneath the surface, a pain he can't express. I guess some of the negative comments I read had to do with the fact that it's a realistic story of a devastated relationship and dysfunctionalism, which some people may not be used to seeing nowadays. I'm just guessing. As a woman, I feel for Michelle. I'm sure men understand that aspect of Vincent's personality.I thought this was a very good if depressing film, with a beautiful characterization by De Niro that has frankly stuck with me.

Who knows why critics like or dislike films. This is a good solid film, with a huge cast and they all do a wonderful job. The script is good, the cinematography too is fine, and the entire story telling is just great. James Franco is amazing! I don't want to even suggest what his role is in the film - because if you don't know - let him surprise you. This is one of those films that I had not seen until it was on cable, and my apologies for not seeing it sooner.The direction of the film - great! It is gritty, it is at times dark and hard, at times tugs on the heart.Congratulations to the entire cast and crew! EVERYONE was great.

Let's just say, I'm kind of shocked this is only 6.1 in the ratings.Reading other people comments, I have noticed that some have said the movie was excellent but they haven't provided a rating score, which might have brought it slightly higher.Regarding, the negative feedback, what on earth are they watching? Maybe, they should stick to Twilight and light weight popcorn movies as after all this a a dark gritty drama for grown ups. The casting is brilliant with everyone playing their part extremely well.Yes, I can see why people always go on about James Franco being a junkie in real life especially with performances like this and Pineapple Express (no one does it better but that's what you call great acting).He basically, went toe to toe with Robert De Niro (who hand picked him after seeing James Franco as James Dean) and came out his equal. Maybe just maybe, Robert De Niro might have passed his succession to James Franco. No wonder, his getting Oscars nominations now etc and only matter of time before he wins a few.I actually, forgot that I watched this movie when it originally came out. I went to the supermarket recently and purchased a copy as it was very cheap and found a a true gem that I had forgotten. I felt, I had to write a review because I couldn't believe the rating and some of the comments.I'm not going to breakdown what happens in the story there's enough evidence of that already but wow. If you want amazing acting by all and true essence of what a great drama should be, you might have seen similar formats in the past but was it ever acted as well as this then I suggest you rent or buy it.I'm so glad, I have this as part of my DVD collection. Not every movie has to have plenty of car chasing, be in 3D, naked ladies etc.Sometimes, you just need a strong cast to bring a good story home and for me they brought it home plenty. Can't believe this movie didn't get any Oscar nominations. I can be critical like the next person, thinking not another cop drama but seriously can't stress this enough open your mind to solid acting by all cast members and you will be truly surprised.