Chicago Overcoat (2009)

That was an excellent one.

best movie i've ever seen.

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

I really wanted to like this movie. But within the first few minutes its attempt at being a film noir was an epic fail. The script read like a theatrical production rather than a cinematic feature. And every character was a cliché: The main character, Lou, is an aging mob soldier who requests a murder contract in an attempt to capture his younger glory days. Add to that his longtime spurned lover, his dysfunctional daughter, his young and innocent grandson, and the pair of big city cops on his tail. Not only were all of the characters a cast of clichés, but the storyline was as well. To add to it, every character had one dimension of emotion, which was anger. It gave the audience no reason to like anyone or remain engaged in the story. By the end, this film became a caricature of itself.

Frank Vincent is excellent as the senior citizen hit man who volunteers for one last big job. The acting by all concerned is above average, and the photography quite creative. There is of course plenty of violence, but it is not gratuitous. My only objection to "Chicago Overcoat" would be that Armand Assante and Mike Starr really have small roles for being featured on the DVD cover. It is Frank Vincent who shines throughout and almost singlehandedly carries the film. The story flows nicely and has a couple of minor twists and turns. Character development is especially strong, and along with the compelling script, delivers a very enjoyable movie experience. - MERK

Director Brian Caunter has created a gem in Chicago Overcoat.Starring Frank Vincent who has also been in other classic gangster flicks, Goodfellas 1990, Casino 1995 and other classic flicks, Animal Room 1995, Jungle Fever 1991, Last Exit to Brooklyn 1989, Do the Right Thing 1989 and Raging Bull 1980.Also starring Kathrine Narducci.Aso starring Mike Starr who has also been in other classic flicks, Wrong Turn at Tahoe 2009, Summer of Sam 1999, Born on the Fourth of July 1990, Last Exit to Brooklyn also with Frank Vincent and other classic gangster flicks, Goodfellas also with Frank Vincent and Millers Crossing 1990.Also starring Armand Assante who has also been in another classic flick, Blind Justice 1994 and another classic gangster flick, Federal Protection 2002.Also starring Stacy Keach who has also been in other classic flicks, Machete 2010, American History X 1998, The Long Riders 1980 and Up in Smoke 1978.I enjoyed the violence and shootouts.If you enjoyed this as much as I did then check out other classic gangster flicks, Bloody Mama 1970, The Butcher 2009, Dillinger 1973, Hit List 1989, Kill the Irishman 2011, Last Man Standing 1996, The Outfit 1973, Point Blank 1967, The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond 1960, The St. Valentine's Day Massacre 1967, The Departed 2006, Once Upon a Time in America 1984, The Don Is Dead 1973 and Mean Streets 1973.

Good casting for Frank Vincent, in probably his best role to date. I enjoyed watching the film, with its combination of memoirs, anecdotal narrative and good old fashioned American Gagsterism.It is easy to look at this after the first few minutes and think it could be another Casino or Goodfellas, especially with the use of the narration, however it does not take that route in so much that it does not come over quite as 'smarmy' in the way Vincent is recalling his past compared to how Joe Peschi or more so Ray Liotta did it in theirs. The story does not also go beyond the realms of uncredibility and has a message in there somewhere, something about ageing and having few regrets.Once all that is done and set up the story is basically about Vincent - a tough but aged wise guy who still collects. He is itching to do a hit again and gets the nod. Once on the mission the story develops a bit more and includes other characters, such as his family and mistress. One of the best characters to come into the film at this point is the cop on his tail, who without going over the top on the clichés is a worthy adversary and as wise as Vincent. The films twist involves his boss who is the link to the Chicago underworld.Interesting that Vincent in his role is not dusted despite being out manned and out gunned, he walks away having wiped out all the competition. "You know why? It was outta respect".