Mafioso: The Father, the Son (2001) User Reviews

If you like Philly scenes, watch it. It's so bad, it's entertaining

[photo-12 · 3/10 · 7 February 2007]

It was made in my hometown Philly, that's the only reason I watched it. That and I'm a big fan of cops & wops flicks. This one left way too much to be desired with respect to the overall acting quality, and to hint that it could be compared to the Sopranos is ludicrous. It seemed more like a documentary in overall content presentation.

I agree with the pans it has received in the more timely comments that have been posted. For me, it was like going back to the block for a little while, and taking in the scenery. Reading some of the favorable comments it received made me wonder if the writers of same were made an offer they couldn't refuse.

Felt so slimy after watching this

[DonnieP84 · 3/10 · 3 July 2008]

The only reason I gave this a 3 out of 10 is because they were working on a shoe string budget of $900k and I felt bad for them.

The acting was unbearable and the cinematography was mortifying. I bought the DVD for $3 and still feel ripped off.

Somethings in the film are just unforgivable, no matter how short the budget. The terrible dancing scene with Gina and that guy at the bar, was so awful I watched it 5-6 times to make sure I wasn't seeing things. The car crash at 30 mph that almost killed her, wasn't realistic in any way. Her "injuries" looked like a Halloween costume from Party City. Bullet wounds never looked so bad. You would hear a gun sound and then 10 seconds later what looked like strawberry jam splattered on the face of whoever got "shot".

I would recommend you buy it if you want to laugh your rear off at the bad acting, even worse script, and terribly cheap feel (I am convinced the wardrobe came from a thrift shop in the former USSR).

Here's a movie that teaches how not to make a bad movie.

[madbandit20002000 · 1/10 · 5 March 2007]

Sure, they've been a lot of bad movies that are perfect examples on how not to make one that's so damn bad, but "Mafioso: The Father, The Son", a dog's mess on the sidewalk that pathetically fails at being on par with the Godfather films and "The Sopranos", does a more than obvious job. Here are nine "don't" rules:

1) Don't give your film a bad title. 2) Don't have one of your film's co-writers act as the main character if he can't look awake and traditionally handsome, let alone act. Put a REAL gun in his mouth, and he'll get the message. 3) Don't create a mute supporting character and make him so damn uninteresting, except being fat and able to handle kung-fu combatants. 4) Don't hire good supporting actors to act in a crap film. 5) Don't have your actors, if you're working on a Mafia drama, emote every Italian stereotype in the bigot book and dehumanize your characters into caricatures. 6) Don't advertise your film being scored by an Oscar-winning music composer, when you don't. 7) Don't have a voice-over at the film's start and end when the story's happening in the present. 8) Don't have a bad film editor. 9) Don't "wide-screen" something that looks like a third-rate daytime soap opera.

If you're interested in the story of a mobster's son taking over the "family business", when "the Goddaddy" is killed, you're better off making the film yourself, if you follow the aforementioned rules. Avoid "Mafioso" like every STDs in existence, capeech?

Despite attempts by all involved this is a low grade mafia movie.

[dbborroughs · 2/10 · 6 November 2004]

This far from particularly anything mafia movie is not worth bothering with. Its the story of two generations of gangsters in Philadelphia doing what gangsters do.

Its loaded with low level character actors, most of whom have made their careers playing these sort of roles. While they may be fine in support, here, as leads, they look more than a bit uncertain.

The real problem with this is the direction and the script which are on the bad TV movie level. I was laughing at it as the opening court room scene began. As the scene went on the film made me squirm more and more. This wasn't real, it was someones confused TV recollection of reality

Don't watch this. It has moments of okayness, but mostly its just bad gangster dress up.

2 out of 10

Possibly the worst movie I have ever seen...

[Ticktock_Man · 1/10 · 26 September 2004]

The earlier comments bring me to question if the posters watched the same movie as I did, or if they are affiliated with the producers in any way. 8/10? my god...

I have used IMDb for years, and I always check the user reviews for a movie before I see it, and the information I find here - along with the trailers - generally decides whether or not I go see a movie or find another one. Until seeing this movie, I have never felt the compulsion to write a review, or create an IMDb account for that purpose. The fact that i *have* created an account for the sole purpose of writing this review should tell you something.

Previous reviewers have likened this to the Sopranos. If this were the first episode of the Sopranos, no one would have watched the second. The show would have been cancelled. It is plain to see that Mafioso draws on the Sopranos heavily as an influence, but it lacks the suspense, unpredictability, character development, gritty violence and realism that makes the Sopranos so popular.

The acting, editing, camera-work, score, and even the story remind me of daytime soaps like 'Days of our Lives'. If you *like* daytime soaps, then this is the movie for you. If you are revolted by the horrific acting, amateurish camera-work and editing, and totally predictable stories of daytime soaps then you will definitely want to avoid this movie. Words cannot describe how bad the acting is.. the only remotely convincing actor was the old Don, and he doesn't have much screen time.

While some may think I am being harsh, and that low budget movies such as this deserve a chance, I disagree. Low quality knock-offs without much thought put into them, and not a single convincing acting performance, deserve honest criticism - to discourage more of their kind from being made. The cast and crew need to sit down and watch a few more episodes of the Sopranos, and take note of how it is shot, how the plot progresses, and how convincingly the actors perform. There is more to a Mafia movie than just slapping overweight guys with Italian accents into leather jackets and sitting them down in coffee shops.

To me, a 10/10 is an exceptional movie - one other movies can only aspire to. a 5/10 is borderline: meaning it was not a waste of time, but nor was it time well spent. I give this movie a 1/10.

worse than bad

[chuchutwain01 · 1/10 · 29 September 2006]

I just don't know where to begin, this piece of crap was nothing but a waste of time for all involved. The acting was sad, it brought tears to my eyes, tears of laughter. If gangsters were to talk like they did in this major bomb, their victims would just laugh at them and give them a back hand.

I had worked in a bar in south Philly which may have had some mob connections, and I guarantee they would take of the portrayals in this flick. I can't imagine the set decorator ever stepped into an Italian house, because, he had everything all wrong, the fight scenes were worse than bad they were terrible. The whole thing just makes me sick, I probably shouldn't made any comments, but I just had to get this off my chest. There is no mistaking this bomb to the Sopranos.

Worst Mob Movie I've Seen

[sparktom · 1/10 · 3 September 2008]

Geez, where to start? The casting, perhaps. Well, marginal actors with bad material can a real mess make, and this flick stonk so badly I'm longing for a shower. Rossi, with a writing credit (somehow I see him brainstorming with some no-talent hack real writer), crafts himself a plum role that proves the rule about how that's not a good idea. The actor cast in the lead as Vito, has got to be the ugliest, silly looking wop in Hollywood whose lips hang like a raw wound on a mug that could shatter a mirror. Vito's dad, however, deserves the most thumbs-down for believability. He's about as credible for being a mob boss as Andy Dick.

Next, the direction, the script, and the rest. Bad, and worse. I can only assume that this project launched due to Sopranos' success, and they supposed they could snag a low-budget masterpiece by casting their own buddies and their family with an inkling they could act. Sophia Coppola should have shown SOMEBODY in charge how that can work out.

Keep hunting if you want to watch a mafia movie with something to offer. This is a waste of time.

Put out a contract for the filmmakers!

[Wizard-8 · 23 November 2015]

I have to confess that movies involving the mafia aren't really my thing, but I have been able to appreciate some of the better ones like "Donnie Brasco" and "The Godfather". "Mafioso: The Father, the Son" is a well-meaning attempt, but falls far short. The main problem I had with the movie is that it's surprisingly boring. It's boring because it's both overly talky, as well as the fact that all the talk isn't that interesting. You'll get to hear the same things you've seen in other mafia movies before, as well as see the same old characters you've seen before. And you'll guess who's behind the assassination attempts long before the central character figures it out. I put the blame on co-writer Leo Rossi, though you have to give him credit for writing himself a sex scene with a much younger woman. Though even if his script were better, the movie would still suffer from cheap direction, like a car accident that happens right out of camera range. (Though to be fair, it's clear the filmmakers managed to squeeze every last penny out of their really small budget.) I bet any real mobster who sees this movie will be half unintentionally amused and half annoyed.

Pretty mob movie

[lindsayjohnston-86264 · 6/10 · 21 July 2020]

Fictional Philadelphia crime family power struggle

A Soprano's type Mafia movie, but with a softer side

[aaronia2000 · 8/10 · 22 April 2004]

I saw this film at a screening and it can't help but be compared to the Sopranos. The three leading characters of this film are very intriguing, all with an interesting dynamic or relationship. I found that the relationship between the father (John Costanza) and his son (Sal Mazzotta) the most intriguing. Costanzo's softer side is shown when we realize that he just wants to take care of his son and his family, and that he's not in it just for the money, which makes their relationship unique for a Mafia film. As we watch the Mafia family suffer one tragedy after another, we realize this is not just another Mafia movie. Mazzotta and Vito's (Leo Rossi) relationship was also very interesting, particularly in the latter part of the film where their association takes a much uglier turn. Leo Rossi's performance was another one that had me hooked, I guessed early on what was going to happen between them but it didn't dampen the effect on the film for me at all. The acting was very good and unusual characters made this film just as interesting as the Sopranos, which I really am hooked on. I recommend this if you are ready for graphic violence.

the story grabbed and held my attention throughout

[jaybird0971 · 10/10 · 7 April 2004]

I saw this movie at a screening and was thoroughly impressed. I was able to get comfortable with the characters very easily; the story grabbed and held my attention throughout. This is a very well put-together film. The cast was easy to warm up to, plenty of familiar faces from other films and their roles played out smoothly. The character of "Frank" (who I was not very familiar with) was played excellently and I can see him in future films for sure.

Being from the Philadelphia area, I found it easy to get into the movie and being familiar with the locations made it all the more enjoyable.

If you are into "mafia" type movies (or even if you're not), this is one movie that is worth seeing.

explanation

[blzshdw2893 · 10/10 · 6 May 2006]

I watched this film and thought it was a very good movie especially the actor Sal Mazzotta who played the role of Frank Paridiso he was excellent. I believe he carried the film. I thought the editing was done very well and the cinematography was really good. This film was shot real to life it reminds me of the Sopranos. Also the actor Leo Rossi who played the role of Vito was very believable. The scene that was very disturbing was the actor that played Danny Defino(Johnny Williams) when he was tied up and they used a blow torch to kill him. That scene my Girlfriend could not watch it felt so real it was scary. Even the actor that played Frank's father(Robert Costanzo) was very good. If your a mob fan and you love mafia films I recommend this movie to everyone.

Really enjoyed this movie

[idpated · 8/10 · 2 November 2002]

Movie had a lot going for it. The actors were well cast especially Sal M, (the actor playing Frankie) The characters were lovable and well developed. My girlfriend actually got sad when certain characters were harmed. There was some good humor as well.

The plot was interesting and was solid throughout the movie. There was violence like most mob movies, though I have to say I thought this movie used it better than most. The action itself was interesting and well choreographed for the most part.

I liked the ending and the music was good too. Best mob movie I've seen in a long while.

If You Like The Sopranos, You'll Probably Like This

[michaelzstuff · 9/10 · 6 November 2003]

This is a borderline 8 movie. I don't really have a lot of criticism, but it lacks most of the ingredients required for a 9 or 10 - meaning something special.

There was really no one particular thing special about it - and the ending was not surprising but it was enjoyable nonetheless.

I thought the acting was very good - gritty and intense. This movie kind of reminded me of The Sopranos, though I liked the latter a lot better. Not too much to say. You have to accept a lot of language and violence (and I mean VIOLENCE) - blood and guts. But, if you can get over that, settle in for a reasonably good movie.

Great Film...

[hotpink486 · 8/10 · 10 April 2007]

This movie was great, very well produced and all the actors were really good. I seen the the movie on ABC network, but the DVD was a lot better. If you like mob movies, i strongly recommend this film. The relationship between the father and the son was very believable and very moving. Sal Mazzotta, great work and i cant wait to see your next movie, as an actor you are really good. My mom and dad really liked the movie, they loved the actor who played your father, he was very good. This film reminds me of the Sopranos, very real to life. Hopefully you will consider Canada for your next project. I lived here my whole life and it is a great city to possibly shoot your next project.

A great Indy film

[cstans · 8/10 · 1 August 2007]

I was really impressed with the depth of talent this small film was able to pull in. It's what gives this mafia movie a heart. While it doesn't have the shiny polished feel of a typical big budget studio film, it's a quality piece with solid talent and a good story at it's core. It's that Indy feel to it that should draw you to watch it in the first place. Making films is an incredibly hard thing to do, making good films is nearly impossible. Add to that little or no budget and you can just imagine how hard these guys worked to pull it off and, at least in my opinion, they did. If you're looking for a night in and want to add a little flavor to the evening this film is a great fit.

Confusing Comments

[Beast2007 · 10/10 · 7 March 2007]

I'm very confused regarding a certain IMDb member's comments on this movie. I happen to love this movie. First what is wrong with the title? It stands for the very foundation of the movie. Let's look at such greats as Scarface (1983). That seemed like a bad name yet Brian DePalma and Oliver Stone are still receiving great praise over that blockbuster. So my friend, what's in a name? Furthermore I have done some research on this film and discovered that it has received multiple awards. The language used by this obviously belligerent member is so piercing that it makes me question if he has a personal vendetta against a certain filmmaker or actor. Most of the mean spirited comment was of personal opinion which the writer tried to pass off as film making standard. My question to you is this; What credentials do you possess to throw such unintelligent nonsense onto such a fine film as this? My educated guess is that since the writer of the comment refrained from pointing out any good aspects of the movie, he/she must have a personal resentment or overall jealousy toward someone involved in this movie and therefore the comment is a big waste of all of our time. Please remember, IMDb members respect comments not complaints. To all of you out there, please do yourself a favor and see this movie. You won't regret it.

This was a really good movie, violent but still a good film

[cute_little_seniorita · 10/10 · 25 September 2006]

On a personal note...this movie was filmed, in part, near my family's home in the movie. Anyway, I was home visiting when they filmed for over a month on my street. It was interesting to watch the care (bordering on fanaticism) that the producers took in endlessly rehearsing minor scenes and then finally filming them. Which leads me to my point.

So much time, money, and effort spent to produce such a really good film but with a lot of violence. Lord knows, it's not that everybody needs to be Pollyanna...we all are aware how truly wretched life can be...but why spend time watching somebody get tortured with a welding torch? Although the characters were really good, did they have to act out pointless violence? There just has to be some better way of spending our time.

In spite of all this, I still liked the film. We are base animals...as the film incessantly likes to remind us in this and his other films...Thank you! We get the idea! However, why not take all that talent and time and produce something the uplifts the human spirit rather than denigrates it? "A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?" Glorify gangsters, not me! But I couldn't help watching this movie and in spite of all the criticism I have espoused in this review, I have to admit that I like mafia movies so I couldn't help but like this one.