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A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints [2006]
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RRP: £15.99
Our Price: £3.00 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
A film adaptation of Dito Montiel's memoir of the same name, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints is a compelling, thoughtful movie based on Montiel's childhood growing up in 1980s Queens. A writer and director who understands his limitations, Montiel wisely left the acting to the pros. Shia LaBeouf (Holes) plays him during his adolescence, while Robert Downey Jr. (Good Night, and Good Luck, Wonder Boys) portrays the grown-up Dito. Never mind that there is absolutely no physical resemblance between the two actors; LaBeouf and Downey are so convincing in their roles it doesn't matter. Switching effortlessly from present day (where Dito is a successful author) to the past (where he is a tough little kid trying to figure out if there is life beyond New York), A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints tackles Dito's complicated relationship with his parents (Chazz Palminteri and Dianne Wiest), as well as the friends he left behind. Eric Roberts is magnificent in a small role as one of Dito's tough, childhood buddies. His powerful performance makes viewers remember there was a time when Roberts was better known for his acting skills than for being Julia's big brother. Montiel--a first-time filmmaker--won the Director's Award at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival for his autobiographical movie. Raw, gritty, and honest, Saints makes a strong impact and leaves the viewer curious as to how the rest of Montiel's life will work out. --Jae-Ha Kim
Watchable but not memorable
Review date: 2008-01-20 Rating: 6 out of 10
I had high expectations of this film. The blurb on the DVD compared it to Bronx Tale (one of my favourite films) and it had a number of high profile stars in the cast. I have to say I was disappointed. The story was patchy for the first hour of the film, and it was plain boring in parts. Another problem was the dialogue. English viewers may find they need to watch alot of it with subtitles because the accents of the actors are so thick! However, the film picked up in the second half and by the end, I was almost interested. If you haven't seen it already, you'd almost certainly prefer Bronx Tale by a good distance.
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Reviews
Loved it (but I've yet to read the book).
Review date: 2007-12-29 Rating: 10 out of 10
I've read some mixed reviews on here but I took a chance and trusted those who said it was worth a watch. Don't know what it was, maybe the time was right, maybe there are elements of my own teenage years that I relived emotionally whilst watching the film or maybe I was just in the right frame of mind to get the maximum hit from this movie. All I know is that I absolutely loved it. I found the story very moving with some touching performances from all the actors involved. The soundtrack is a must for anyone who enjoyed the music of the late 70's / early 80's. At £5 it's worth taking the chance.
A superior coming of age tale
Review date: 2007-11-12 Rating: 8 out of 10
Despite what is a slightly pretentious title, the autobiographical A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints turns out to be a superior coming of age tale, in which the father (a good man in bad place) is the affectionately portrayed hero; trapped, helpless but pragmatic and ever the positive role model.
An amazing film, that really shines.
Review date: 2007-08-23 Rating: 8 out of 10
I loved this film so much. The story was engaging and the acting was truly superb! It sucks you in from the off. It striaight away makes you relate to the characters. It really ignores me to hear people saying that they fell nasleep before then end because if you did you shouldnt be allowed to write a review. I do agree that you either love it or you hate it but i can tell you where the majority would be. Please watch this and enjoy - You wont regret it.
a guide to recognizing a bad film
Review date: 2007-08-08 Rating: 2 out of 10
This movie was so boring i didn't even reach the end . The main probelem with this film is the fact it didn't really have a a story to tell that was in any way interesting . The main character returns home after receiving news that his father is ill and in doing so begins to recall his youth in the neighbourhood he grew up , sounds interesting but sadly it isn't . This film was compared to the far superior a bronx tale but hasn't got any of the charm and warmth that movie had . Avoid .
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Dianne Wiest
Shia LaBeouf
Chazz Palminteri
Channing Tatum
Robert Downey
Director(s):
Recording label: Revolver Entertainment
Manufacturer: Revolver Entertainment
EAN: 5060018488943
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2007-07-02
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 100 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2006
Language: English (Original Language)