Good start, but then it gets ruined

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

This is one of those movies that has multiple stories that connect and intertwine in the end. And it's watchable but nothing all that special. The first storyline is about a gangster that is the leader of a very small crew that wants to be recognized and be popular and for everyone to know his name. He isn't a intimidating gangster though, the actor Vincent D'Onofrio just doesn't seem like a intimidating guy in this flick. Maybe someone that lives with his mom past 40 maybe and a loner but not someone that is intimidating. Although the plot for this first part of the story may seem generic it is my second favorite out of the 3 stories. The second one that has Ethan Hawke in it was the most boring one out of the three. It has to do with a poor guy that is a septic tank cleaner who just isn't very smart. Wants to give his unborn son a genetic alteration which can make his son extremely smart and cost over 40 grand. So he decides to rob a gangster's house with his friend. And couldn't help but feel a bit sympathetic to the guy. The third story is my favorite since it's from a deaf mute who is a butcher and his primary goal is to win the horse race gamble. He is the most likable character in this entire movie. All three of these characters are connected to each other in some ways and I liked how it played out at the end. Although the 2 first stories isn't anything special and cliché. Overall this is a watchable flick but nothing all that great in these types of genre.6.8/10

All three lead characters do excellent jobs, as well as Miss Nicholson, but they cannot rescue this film. The beginning narration is odd and appears to suggest we're going to get a sympathetic and/or humorous take on Staten Islanders and their inferiority complexes. But other than the mobsters being small time, there's nothing in STATEN ISLAND that really distinguishes the people or setting; i.e., they might as well be from any other suburban area.We understand that the ecology vehicle is not to be taken seriously but then it just disappears. We've not enough background on any three of the leads to truly become interested in any of them, though you can see the clumsy attempts to try and "teach" us about them. And the ending is ridiculous as well as unsatisfying.In short its just a mess, despite some quirky funny spots. I'm guessing the makers envisioned something like BLOOD SIMPLE. Definitely STATEN ISLAND is an attempt at Cohen Brothers-like suspense with blood and comedy. But this movie falls short in every category.

I watched this movie because one of my friends insisted me to. I have to admit that I didn't expect much in this movie at first but it turned out to be a great movie.First, the characters are well-developed. You can not expect a stronger or more convincing performance from Seymour Cassel. I think he definitely deserves an Oscar for this cast. Ethan Hawke is just as great. I can see in him a father who is, well, a little dumb but loves his wife and his unborn kid with all his heart.Second, about the plot. The story is quite slow and easy-flowing. Some may find that it makes you feel kinda sleepy. But trust me, the more you watch this movie, the more you will find it entertaining and meaningful. I can not promise that you will love this movie but I believe that it will make you feel relieved and relaxed. I myself smiled at the end of the movie and thanked my friend for having introduced to me such a touching movie. If you are still hesitating whether you should watch this movie or not, hesitate no more. Watch it. Strongly recommended. 9/10.

This was lots of fun, if slow to develop & move forward. Minor quibble because of excellent acting from all leads, & equally good supporting cast performances. Apt, oddball choices of songs commented on the action and characters. There are brief scenes of intense gore, but you can close your eyes for a second.I agree with another poster that parts of this don't mesh as a whole, but it didn't bother me because of the film's almost happy-go-lucky vibe, a little wistful and silly, funny in places. It was saved by balancing those elements or attitudes with a fresh take on 2nd rate mobsters in - not that I agree, since I was born there - a second rate burg. The local color is done well - it's very particular to SI, though not the whole story.Seymour Cassell was especially good - it's great to see a guy who's seen it all display depth and nuance in what's essentially a light but highly entertaining flick.If you like off-beat, unusual films, and directors who aren't afraid to go out on a limb, and sharp small characters, you'll have a good time with this one.