Yes, but it was also a very original ending in terms of how it was done. Not your typical happy / bad one where you can see how it all ended. It's perfectly reasonable that it surprised some people, especially if someone was used to super safe shows from CBS or other popular networks.
I'm trying to temper my expectations since I don't think it'll hit the same heights the show did. And there's part of me that wonders if this story started off as its own thing (Chase obviously has an interest in Newark, that period and the riots) and ended up setting it in the world of the Sopranos as a way to sell it rather than The Sopranos aspect being a driving factor in the inspiration. But fuck it, Chase has built up a huge amount of credit so I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
I'm trying to temper my expectations since I don't think it'll hit the same heights the show did. And there's part of me that wonders if this story started off as its own thing (Chase obviously has an interest in Newark, that period and the riots) and ended up setting it in the world of the Sopranos as a way to sell it rather than The Sopranos aspect being a driving factor in the inspiration. But fuck it, Chase has built up a huge amount of credit so I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
Yes, but it was also a very original ending in terms of how it was done. Not your typical happy / bad one where you can see how it all ended. It's perfectly reasonable that it surprised some people, especially if someone was used to super safe shows from CBS or other popular networks.
I was never a fan of ending, but still love the show. If everything had always been shown from Tony's perspective the ending would have worked for me I think, with the assumption that he got taken out at the end. But it wasn't, and my take has always been it was a cheap ending to leave the future possibilities open if HBO made Chase an offer he couldn't refuse.
I'm kind hoping the movie leads to a couple prequel seasons. Perfect time period and the kid is a natural to play his dad.
Still need to buy the last season and watch it. I know, I know, it's horrible for me to love everything about this show and still haven't watched the final season after finished watching the last one like 10 years ago. But I know I'll enjoy it just as much as I know I'll watch this and enjoy it.
Whoa, Alan Taylor can fucking direct. The cinematography is up there with the best of them, and the score is perfect for every scene. They also got just about the perfect actors for every part.
That said, regarding the story and other elements:
I liked it, but just barely. When it comes to prequels I actually prefer them to be these kinds of intimate examinations of characters we'd heard about but never seen, and how their presence echoed through the fiction we're familiar with.
Unfortunately it veered too far off from the core concepts and themes the show examined, and by the time it concluded I felt like the story focused too much on Dickie's friend and mistress. I mean, I didn't sign up to follow the story of some characters who were completely absent from - and pointless to - the show. All of those minutes could have instead been used to actually follow Dickie and enforcing what he and the legacy of his family meant to this fictional Jersey mafia world. And while Gandolfini's son did a great job he was severely underused. Again, all of those minutes wasted on two characters who weren't even relevant to the mythos.
Livia Soprano was one of the best characters from the show.. I don't think Vera Farmiga was a good choice at all.
Michael Gandolfini was great, though.
This movie was an incoherent mess. It was like they had all the big plot points for 2 seasons of Sopranos so the just clipped them all together into 2 hours.
Sopranos is my favorite show of all time, but this was exactly what I thought it was going to be. Average and unnecessary. I watched it last night and I'm still not sure what it was even about. Show should've focused entirely on Dickie and Tony, instead half the film is wasted on this racial rioting storyline that as far as I can tell, nobody asked for or found interesting. People wanted an origin story of Tony. Instead we got a film mostly about Dickie, and at times it felt like it wasn't sure what it wanted to be.
That said the foundation has been laid for a potential sequel or mini series about Tony in his early 20s, and his rise through the ranks. But I'm not holding out hope for that.
I don't think that's true. People don't need an origin story for Tony. Instead this was supposed to show why Tony worshipped Dickie so much.
People were hoping it would reveal if Tony was lying to Christopher or not about who killed Dickie when Tony sent Christopher to kill the guy. And I guess he was based on this.
I liked it, but I didn't expect much. Mainly because I don't think most TV to movie stuff usually ends up translating well, and I've grown tired of Italian mob stuff in general. But I thought it was solid. Some nice nostalgia and seeing characters in their younger forms interested me. Once I realized this wasn't going to have a centrally focused plot and was more of a character showcase, I was totally fine with it.
Does Ray Liotta play two characters in the movie? I mean, he is definitely murdered by Dickie.. but then Dickie goes to see him multiple times in prison. Is this just an elaborate hallucination?
Does Ray Liotta play two characters in the movie? I mean, he is definitely murdered by Dickie.. but then Dickie goes to see him multiple times in prison. Is this just an elaborate hallucination?
We have one scene where Dickie is telling his dads twin his wife can’t have a baby and then a few moments later he’s holding Christopher. Who’s baby was it?
We have one scene where Dickie is telling his dads twin his wife can’t have a baby and then a few moments later he’s holding Christopher. Who’s baby was it?
Yeah that’s what I didn’t get like was there a subplot where hot ass Italian girl gives birth and Dickies wife agrees to take Chris and pretend it’s hers? That would explain a lot. Plus why the hell did hot Italian girl just out of the blue tell Dickie she screwed a the black mafia boss? It’s like they just filled a montage of flashback scenes not an actual film with a plot.
Yeah that’s what I didn’t get like was there a subplot where hot ass Italian girl gives birth and Dickies wife agrees to take Chris and pretend it’s hers? That would explain a lot. Plus why the hell did hot Italian girl just out of the blue tell Dickie she screwed a the black mafia boss? It’s like they just filled a montage of flashback scenes not an actual film with a plot.
Total waste of John Berthnal/ The Punisher but then again it shows he’s got range beyond growling at people. Really hope Marvel renews Daredevil and Pubisher on D+
As a huge sopranos' fan, this makes me SO EXCITED.
And the fact that Tony is being played by James' son makes my heart so happy. I read in an interview that Michael doesn't wanna act outside of this, and doesn't wanna get too close to where his dad started as Tony age wise in the series.
I CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH IT
Completely unnecessary film. And I saw an interview where Chase said they might make a sequel. Why? This film was pointless and didn't add anything to the sopranos series
The new characters are completely uninteresting. Tony is ok at best. He looks like his dad and has some of the nuances down but it's just an average performance.
I agree with the poster above, the whole thing felt unnecessary and the addition of black characters and civil unrest seems hilariously forced. Theres definitely some political injections here.
As a huge sopranos' fan, this makes me SO EXCITED.
And the fact that Tony is being played by James' son makes my heart so happy. I read in an interview that Michael doesn't wanna act outside of this, and doesn't wanna get too close to where his dad started as Tony age wise in the series.
I CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH IT
I believe that was a misquote and he had said he doesn't want to play a version of Tony that's the same age his dad was. I think he's still looking to have an acting career outside of this.
I believe that was a misquote and he had said he doesn't want to play a version of Tony that's the same age his dad was. I think he's still looking to have an acting career outside of this.
When he was first cast I wondered if it was a bit of a gimmick. But he does well with such a well known character and it's not like he feels out of place among the other actors. Let us know what you think of the film once you've seen it!
Felt like unnecessary fan service. I thought it was ok but it did nothing for me. And I’m a huge sopranos fan. I’m almost done with my fifth time through the series.
OK so I finally got to see it.
I'm going to preface this (because I know many of you dont really know me so it may be important) I'm the type of fan that I don't take things too seriously. I don't hate many things. So take that as you will. Also this will probably be long and too in depth of what I think, but I just need to word vomit this out in a place I feel people will actually have varying opinions.
My opinion: I fucking love this movie.
I will admit from the trailers I thought this would be more of a "Tony backstory" type but was pleasantly suprised. I enjoyed seeing the person fabled to have taught Tony everything he knew, and some key moments and members that we never got to see in the series.
Also as some mentioned about the 'forced race tension', I didn't feel it was too much out of place as (as far as I know) things like that actually happened in the time period, so idk I just kinda shrugged at that. Environmental 'jushing' I suppose.
Characters: (going in order of who stood out the most to me, I suppose)
Dickie: I think he did a good job portraying him. From what I remember we didn't get to know very much at all in the OG series about him so it was nice to see his character kinda fleshed out in a short 2 hour span. Also, you can tell where Christopher got his mannerisms from lol. (I know it's the other way around, shush)
Tony: Man. I really think both actors did a good job playing him. Of course my emotional heart strings pulled a few times Michael (James' son, for those that might not know) Mirrored his dad. I'm that kinda person lol. Poor kid just wanted to play football and the world around him was like LUL NAH BRAH.
Liv (Tony's Mom): HOLY FUCK GUYS. I think the actress did a HELL of a job, and arguably the most fleshed out and felt real to the OG character in this movie. Although I swear to god her voice sounded Exactly like Carmella's in the OG show. Maybe it's just me. The call backs to the OG actress's 'sayings' and mannerisms were spot on and just overall I think she did a damned good job of showing the back and forth of the character. Kinda showing she wanted to be a good mom/wife but her batshit crazy side would take over. Etc.
Corrado. This rat bastard. Partially will be hid behind spoiler tag, so please watch the movie ( or don't plan on seeing it before revealing) Did a great job with the mannerisms without feeling like he was straight copying the OG actor if that makes sense. Felt real I suppose.
My jaw hit the floor when it was revealed he was the one who called the hit. But it's absolutely something that asshole would do, out of spite. REALLY puts the series in perspective to me, on how much of a two faced asshole he was.
Janice: The kid actress looks so much like the OG one, and although on for a brief few moments, felt like the younger version spot on.
Dickie's dad / the dad's brother (specifically the actor for this one ) I think major kudos to this man for his work in this movie. I legit thought it was two different people for a HOT minute before I realized it was the same guy. (before you shit on me I have bad eyesight and the brother looked so much skinnier, I had a moment of confusion before I realized, in fact it's the same guy) Both characters were great. Damn good job imo.
Tony's Dad: I mean not a lot to say about it, love the actor and he did a decent job of showing the asshole nature of Tony's dad.
Can we take a moment to talk about Silvio. Sil is one of my fav characters but /what the fuck was that/. The actor portraying him felt like he was making fun of Sil. SUPER over exaggerated movements, I know Sil's OG actor was frowning a lot but it felt natural, this guy it's like he's the sad clown. This performance just made me sad and laugh at the same time.
Overall the rest of the acting was good, believeable, etc etc. I get it left a lot to be desired for a lot of people but I felt this was a good fleshing out of the origins of that family in general and the stories that were mentioned in the show.
It's been a long day so if I missed something, I apologize. Not gonna lie, at the end when Tony is just staring at {redacted}, and the OG theme song slooowly and gradually starts to play...OH man did the water works kick in lol.
I HOPE there's gonna be a sequel, but more focused on Tony...and a different actor for Silvio lol.
OK so I finally got to see it.
I'm going to preface this (because I know many of you dont really know me so it may be important) I'm the type of fan that I don't take things too seriously. I don't hate many things. So take that as you will. Also this will probably be long and too in depth of what I think, but I just need to word vomit this out in a place I feel people will actually have varying opinions.
My opinion: I fucking love this movie.
I will admit from the trailers I thought this would be more of a "Tony backstory" type but was pleasantly suprised. I enjoyed seeing the person fabled to have taught Tony everything he knew, and some key moments and members that we never got to see in the series.
Also as some mentioned about the 'forced race tension', I didn't feel it was too much out of place as (as far as I know) things like that actually happened in the time period, so idk I just kinda shrugged at that. Environmental 'jushing' I suppose.
Characters: (going in order of who stood out the most to me, I suppose)
Dickie: I think he did a good job portraying him. From what I remember we didn't get to know very much at all in the OG series about him so it was nice to see his character kinda fleshed out in a short 2 hour span. Also, you can tell where Christopher got his mannerisms from lol. (I know it's the other way around, shush)
Tony: Man. I really think both actors did a good job playing him. Of course my emotional heart strings pulled a few times Michael (James' son, for those that might not know) Mirrored his dad. I'm that kinda person lol. Poor kid just wanted to play football and the world around him was like LUL NAH BRAH.
Liv (Tony's Mom): HOLY FUCK GUYS. I think the actress did a HELL of a job, and arguably the most fleshed out and felt real to the OG character in this movie. Although I swear to god her voice sounded Exactly like Carmella's in the OG show. Maybe it's just me. The call backs to the OG actress's 'sayings' and mannerisms were spot on and just overall I think she did a damned good job of showing the back and forth of the character. Kinda showing she wanted to be a good mom/wife but her batshit crazy side would take over. Etc.
Corrado. This rat bastard. Partially will be hid behind spoiler tag, so please watch the movie ( or don't plan on seeing it before revealing) Did a great job with the mannerisms without feeling like he was straight copying the OG actor if that makes sense. Felt real I suppose.
My jaw hit the floor when it was revealed he was the one who called the hit. But it's absolutely something that asshole would do, out of spite. REALLY puts the series in perspective to me, on how much of a two faced asshole he was.
Janice: The kid actress looks so much like the OG one, and although on for a brief few moments, felt like the younger version spot on.
Dickie's dad / the dad's brother (specifically the actor for this one ) I think major kudos to this man for his work in this movie. I legit thought it was two different people for a HOT minute before I realized it was the same guy. (before you shit on me I have bad eyesight and the brother looked so much skinnier, I had a moment of confusion before I realized, in fact it's the same guy) Both characters were great. Damn good job imo.
Tony's Dad: I mean not a lot to say about it, love the actor and he did a decent job of showing the asshole nature of Tony's dad.
Can we take a moment to talk about Silvio. Sil is one of my fav characters but /what the fuck was that/. The actor portraying him felt like he was making fun of Sil. SUPER over exaggerated movements, I know Sil's OG actor was frowning a lot but it felt natural, this guy it's like he's the sad clown. This performance just made me sad and laugh at the same time.
Overall the rest of the acting was good, believeable, etc etc. I get it left a lot to be desired for a lot of people but I felt this was a good fleshing out of the origins of that family in general and the stories that were mentioned in the show.
It's been a long day so if I missed something, I apologize. Not gonna lie, at the end when Tony is just staring at {redacted}, and the OG theme song slooowly and gradually starts to play...OH man did the water works kick in lol.
I HOPE there's gonna be a sequel, but more focused on Tony...and a different actor for Silvio lol.
absolutely in character for that guy, but yes, still surprising. If you go back and look at how he treated Christopher in season 1 it makes sense. The guy was a sensitive bone pile of insecurities while also being diabolical.
I'm surprised how many here liked the trailer, it's very hyped and over-the-top, trying to make him into some action hero thing. Hopefully, it's more down-to-earth than the trailer.
edit: wait, its out? where can you watch this thing?
I went in hoping for the same quality of writing that made The Sopranos the untouchable series that we all know and love.
There was none of that masterful writing or story development what so ever. I also went in to watch Tony. Not a film largely based on Christopher's father.
I'm a huge Sopranos fan. Watched it 4 times over already. I also follow The Talking Sopranos pod cast which is brilliant BTW.
I'm surprised how many here liked the trailer, it's very hyped and over-the-top, trying to make him into some action hero thing. Hopefully, it's more down-to-earth than the trailer.
