Hey folks! So, over the weekend, I checked out “Little New York.” Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for indie films, but this one left me… well, let’s say, with mixed feelings.
Set in Staten Island, it follows a trio of seemingly disparate characters whose paths intersect in surprising ways. Ethan Hawke plays Sully, a small-time thief seeking redemption, and let me tell ya, the guy still has it. The tension was palpable; you could practically smell the saltwater and hear the seagulls. The performances are solid, especially Vincent D’Onofrio and Seymour Cassel. They added layers to an otherwise straightforward plot.
But here’s the thing: the pacing. OJ, it was so slow in parts, like watching paint dry in midsommar. There’s a scene where Sully is contemplating his choices while staring at the New York skyline. It felt like an eternity, and I started thinking about that time I decided to bike through Stockholm in winter—just as tedious and regrettable.
There’s something very Swedish about the film’s dark humor, though. Imagine a mix of Hammarby’s grittiness with a pinch of Jönssonligan’s shenanigans. The film tries to juggle too many themes—redemption, betrayal, and the good ol’ American dream. And oftentimes, it fumbles. However, the cinematography is gorgeous, capturing Staten Island in a way that almost makes you want to visit.
Ultimately, “Little New York” is one of those movies you watch on a lazy Sunday when you’re out of other options. It’s got heart, even if it misses the mark sometimes. You’ll laugh, maybe even feel something, but it won’t change your world.
And hey, life’s short. Sometimes it’s the imperfect things that stick with you the most. So, grab yourself a fika, settle in, and check out the trailer to see if it’s your cup of tea.
