alluietions Reviews

MobKing (2023)

A Fresh Perspective

[26 May 2023]

Solid performances by veteran actor James Russo, and newcomer Ciro Dipagio give substance to this gritty crime drama offering a fresh perspective on la cosa nostra's perennial battle to prevent it's own collapse as it faces enemies from within that threaten the Mafia's thin enterprise in todays world.

Convincing performances by the supporting cast stear this film away from typical caricatures that tend to trivialize Italian gangsters as moronic. Notebale performance by Oksana Lada offers a touch of class as the seasoned actress is no stranger to this mthyos as she was an integral addition to the hit series The Sopranos.

Veteran actor Robert LaSardo appears in a brief cameo as Julio, adding some flavor as he convinces Mike White to orchestrate a murder while in prison as payback for the inmate that raped his daughter.

Riviera (I) (2019)

Something Different

[8/10 · 20 October 2019]

Affective character study here without the usual cliches that assault the integrity of actors with real tattoos. This film has an innocence to it and is beautifully shot, well acted with a message that offers something different.

Tunnel Vision (I) (2013)

A story of reclamation and man who must transcend the accusations and judgment of others .

[10/10 · 1 August 2016]

It's refreshing to see Cristos move forward into a situation of creativity as a lead character in a film that communicates strength and vulnerability. An artist needs to be allowed to grow outside the confinement of stereotypes that propagate ignorance based on a formula of appearance that's only champions lately, are heroes that exist in comic books. I commend any artist who is brave enough to share a story that can evoke feelings and demonstrate the complexities of human experience that doesn't wrap up neatly in a cute red ribbon. Independent film makers have a responsibility do to more than just entertain. I feel they are the last vestige of the individual spirit to challenge the commercialization of the human experience.