This is How Movies Should Be Made

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Excellent characters with emotional depth. My wife, daughter and granddaughter all enjoyed it...and me, too! Very good movie! You won't be disappointed.

It's ironic when Joe Viterelli as the Godfather-type keeps telling Nick Cassavetes as the trusted henchman that he's "smart" after he's just said some of the most simple-minded suggestions ever heard in New York. Idiotic Italians abound (and it's quite derogatory--Frank Sinatra was right about these stupid, endless Mafia movies) in this black vs. white Romeo and Juliet story. The "jazz" is imitative and lousy, but Lawrence Monoson is quite enjoyable as the sleazy bad guy. Overall, a minus for Roger Corman as producer.