Gladys De La Cruz

I’m a new comer to the Sopranos fandom, do with that information what you will. Just finished the series, loved it, loved the ending, and caved in to watch this because I wanted more Sopranos content. I think the people behind this film were under a lot of pressure. Not just because the material they’re working with is beloved by many, but considering the time it came out, I can tell they were pressured to add certain things to this film that really didn’t need to be in it at all. The Civil Rights scenes were unnecessary, to an extent. The show dealt with it a few episodes and the tension between Italian and Black discrimination was brought up in the show too. That being said, it could’ve been interesting if it was written better in how it tied to the mafia bizz, and given less screen time. Seeing that this film came out in 2021, I’m sure there was pressure to add the storyline because the show is mostly an all white cast and a lot of the characters had their fair share of being racist. The casting in this was stellar. Everyone did a good job, with the exception of Ray Liotta who’s character felt unneeded. Uncle Junior was probably my favorite casting choice. I was under the impression Tony would be a more central character given the advertising, so I have to agree with how other people feel disappointed. I will say, I think they played it safe to avoid James’ son having to be in a scene too long, where you might see through his portrayal of Tony. I think he did very well and the ending scene was pure Tony Soprano. This could’ve been a solid film if certain characters were given much more focus. I’m not against learning about Tony’s family or the adults in his life when he was growing up, but they weren’t really the focus and it’s a shame. Also, I wish they weren’t too on-the-nose about dropping Easter eggs like Chris narrating a few times even though he’s dead. That felt a bit corny. Overall, it’s okay if you’re in need of more Sopranos content like me, but just know the good stuff is a spoonful in a buffet of filler and unnecessary plot lines.

I don’t know how people find this film romantic or dreamy. A woman is engaged to a young man and she’s making googoo eyes at his older brothers? She sleeps with every brother in this movie FYI. If a guy was engaged and had romantic eyes for her sisters, the red flags would be waving.