The Many Saints of Newark

Almost immediately, I should preface this review with the fact that I have not seen The Sopranos. 

Like...at all. 

*gasp* I know, I know. It's something I eventually plan on rectifying, but in hindsight, it was a show that was a little too before my time and only somewhat recently (i.e. since Game of Thrones was a couple seasons in) did I join the HBO "family". 

I'd like to think it gives me a unique perspective on The Many Saints of Newark as I'm seeing it through the unjaded eyes of a Sopranos fan, but rather as a film on its own merits. 

If you're reading into that as a passive-aggressive way of me saying "I didn't like it very much", you'd actually be wrong. I enjoyed The Many Saints of Newark, and it's even lit a small fire under my but to begin the (in)famous television show it serves as a prequel to. 

Most impressive about Many Saints, is it feels like there's a weight to the film, the characters, and the plot, even for someone like me who doesn't know about all the happenings in the many seasons of The Sopranos. Sure, some of this comes from having James Gandolfini's actual son, Michael, play his father's role...there is something wild about that, especially since his father's passing. But aside from that, you get the sense that the core relationship, between Dickie (Alessandro Nivola) and Tony (Gandolfini) is really building to create this iconic character with a powerful backstory. It would be almost similar to understanding how Walter White got his "power streak" even when he was a non-cancer-diagnosed teacher (FYI, Breaking Bad has already done a lot of this). Throughout an engaging plot, we come to find that Dickie is a mentor figure to Tony, but behind the scenes he's probably not the best one as he has several skeletons in his closet (and outside of his closet). Unfortunately, the entire tale somewhat feels like it's not done being told as it directly relates to this film, which leaves me wondering if there will be a sequel or if I'm just overanalyzing (yes I know this won't drop us right at the doorstep of S1E1 of Sopranos).

"Hey Dickie! Want me to whack this kid for never seeing The Sopranos?"

Our cast is incredible - with Alessandro Nivola leading the way - followed by Vera Farmiga, Leslie Odom Jr., Jon Bernthal, Corey Stroll, Ray Liotta and many others. I stress the many there because it's where the story and film get a little messy; I had a hard time keeping track of everyone and their relationships (often familial) to one another. The performances are all top notch, especially those listed, but outside of Dickie's core story, it felt like all the other subplots were unnecessary, like a TV show season wanting to be within the 2 hours of a film. Part of me didn't mind because I was engaged, but in hindsight, I definitely wouldn't be able to explain everything that happens. 

Many Saints moves along at a brisk pace. Whereas the 90 minute Venom film from this weekend felt much longer than that, Saints felt shorter than it's 2 hour runtime. A portion of this is due to the excellent filmmaking on display with well orchestrated editing, cinematography that invokes emotion, and a willingness to let a scene breathe, often coupled with a fitting soundtrack arrangement. Another portion of this is owed to the film's abundance of violence. For some reason, I had pictured this would be a slow burn, but there are invigorating shoot-outs, whacks, hits, and GABAGOO...sorry...lost myself for a moment there...but suffice it to say there's plenty of violence here to provide a few shocking scenes and keep you on your toes. No one (except perhaps Tony Soprano) feels truly safe. 

"Ayyyy see? It's alright kid. He's gonna catch up on Sopranos now!"

Catching up with films post puppy & wedding has been fun, but Many Saints is the first one I've actually liked. I wish I would have liked it more with a tighter story and probably less characters overall, but it's still a satisfying Mafia/gangster story that successfully builds some epic-feeling backstory to one of the most successful and highly-regarded TV shows of all time. 

As for me? It's probably about time I get started on that Sopranos binge.

CONS

• Narrative is a little messy with some subplots that felt appropriate had this been for a TV season but feel "busy" for a movie
• Probably too many characters, both for fans of the show and newbies alike
• Ending feels...just there? Maybe they're thinking of a sequel?

PROS

• Core of the story, about the mentorship of Dickie onto Tony, is captivating and good "prequel" backstory to a famous character
• What a cast!
• Alessandro Nivola does phenomenal and there's a lot to love about Michael Gandolfini in his father's defining role
• Nice soundtrack that fits the period
• Doesn't skimp on violence
• Well made film that feels brisk
• Serves as an intro to this universe for n00bs (like me) and likely satisfies fans of the TV show

Rath's Review Score | 7.5/10