I cannot recall another movie of this type where the protagonist, an elderly mafia hit-man,comes across as one of the better individuals we encounter. And this impression manages to persist despite the multiple crimes we see him commit. Basically he's a bad guy doing bad things to bad people for a good reason. The scenes between Dannny Goldring as the burnt-out cop on the verge of retirement and Frank Vincent as the washed-up hit-man, two has-beens on opposite sides of the law, were especially well done. Solid performances by all the cast, especially Mike Starr as repulsive Mafia Boss Lorenzo Galante. Incidentally both Frank Vincent and Mike Starr appeared in Goodfellas. Personally I find this lower-key movie the better of the two. For some reason this movie seems to have been completely overlooked, perhaps the absence of moral blacks-and-whites put reviewers off. But if you like the genre you will enjoy this one.
23 Reviews
Unpredictable and entertaining ......
merklekranz17 February 2012
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
Better than Expected
tamunoopubocookeygam-2858624 May 2020
watch this
rufusredcoat18 July 2010
I have seen Goodfellas and Casino and No country for old men and this genre is as watchable on all levels. I'm just trying to get through to people who enjoy substance over CGI and i watched this without getting bored and I recommend it. This is not your usual suspects, in fact with little effort it has managed to make Old men Dangerous and young people should remember that there is no substitute for experience and being 50 years old myself means I am like Clint Eastwood in Unforgiven, Very Dangerous because Death is not the worst thing that can happen to you and you can take your time which is deadlier than any young punk on a mission
When the rain comes
JohnSeal7 September 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This surprisingly good independently made crime drama stars Frank Vincent as Lou Marazano, an aging Toddlin' Town hit-man now living in reduced circumstances. Lou hasn't made a hit in years, and is now mostly employed for minor league shakedowns, but when the opportunity for One Last Big Job arises — and with it the chance to set his daughter up for life — he leaps feet first. It's far from the most original of stories--and the film's production values are on-par with a made-for TV movie--but Vincent is excellent and Chi-Town looks great. Fans of gangster films will definitely enjoy it. Also noteworthy: Stacy Keach as an equally worn out cop and Kathrine Narducci as Lou's love interest.
Good job movie
carlislegomes15 March 2020
Not what I was expecting....
WarnersBrother28 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I finally got to see this (Let's just say it fell off the back of a computer) after waiting for a year because I am, admittedly, a Frank Vincent fan (we share common roots, and I got to meet him, nice man) and a mob movie fan.
So what we have here is a well produced film that doesn't know what it is about. Mob movie, Conspiracy movie, semi-Action movie, Character Study, Shoot-'m up? I like all of them but not when they are put in a blender. It is a director failure primarily, with some good writing, but not much.
Vincent is great as always given what he has. He wisely nuances his Jersey accent into a Chicago one without trying to go all the way in to play as a Chicago native and make a blatant mistake. It works. Kathrine Narducci is truly excellent in a limited role.
But that is about where the acting ends. Aside from Armand Assante and Stacey Keach in cameos that last minutes and seconds, the cast in this is pretty awful. Again, this is in the end a director failure.
Some of it is just silly...a hood with a record keeps a Thompson submachine gun in plain view on a wall in his apartment. Federal rap? No Problem. And he keeps it there for nostalgia for the old days...is he 95? The Thompson is Al Capone, not the 60's and 70's Vincent's character would have come up in.
No, I really wanted to like this, but there is nothing even remotely new here...it's one of those annoying movies where you sit there and identify the other movies you saw it in as you go along.
BIG SPOILER ALERT!! Do not read further before seeing!! Danny Goldring is absolutely horrid in this as the driven older detective. Just horrid. You clap your hands and go "Yes!" when Lou shoots him in the face and walks away. It is intended as irony...it ends up as just being glad somebody shot the actor.
So what we have here is a well produced film that doesn't know what it is about. Mob movie, Conspiracy movie, semi-Action movie, Character Study, Shoot-'m up? I like all of them but not when they are put in a blender. It is a director failure primarily, with some good writing, but not much.
Vincent is great as always given what he has. He wisely nuances his Jersey accent into a Chicago one without trying to go all the way in to play as a Chicago native and make a blatant mistake. It works. Kathrine Narducci is truly excellent in a limited role.
But that is about where the acting ends. Aside from Armand Assante and Stacey Keach in cameos that last minutes and seconds, the cast in this is pretty awful. Again, this is in the end a director failure.
Some of it is just silly...a hood with a record keeps a Thompson submachine gun in plain view on a wall in his apartment. Federal rap? No Problem. And he keeps it there for nostalgia for the old days...is he 95? The Thompson is Al Capone, not the 60's and 70's Vincent's character would have come up in.
No, I really wanted to like this, but there is nothing even remotely new here...it's one of those annoying movies where you sit there and identify the other movies you saw it in as you go along.
BIG SPOILER ALERT!! Do not read further before seeing!! Danny Goldring is absolutely horrid in this as the driven older detective. Just horrid. You clap your hands and go "Yes!" when Lou shoots him in the face and walks away. It is intended as irony...it ends up as just being glad somebody shot the actor.
Chicago, Chicago, that toddling town
jotix1008 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Lou Marazano, an aging mobster in Chicago, needs another job to help him get away from the city where he has lived all his life. The only way to do it is to ask Lorenzo Galante to give him some work. Unknown to him, mafia boss D'Agostino's trial is coming up. A few people must be eliminated, so Galante offers Lou a deal he cannot refuse. There are three people that know too much who are on the way of the boss' legal process. Lou's job, if accepted will get rid of the possible witnesses.
Lou's life is not exactly a bed of roses. His relationship with Lorraine has seen better days. He has neglected her, so when he comes for her at the joint where she works, she figures he has changed. Wrong! Even though he obviously had a thing for her, he returns so she can be his alibi for the investigation that the police are going to pin on him, eventually. His estranged daughter is divorced, living with his grandson in the suburbs.
Lou makes a mistake by sending flowers to the wife of the first man he kills. An old detective, Rey Berkowski, puts two and two together, remembering a string of killings that remind him of Lou's work. Marazano realizes he must act quickly if he wants to get away with some cash. Eventually, Galante and his men come after him. Lou is able to outsmart them all.
"Chicago Overcoat" is an indie that showed up on cable recently. It was a surprise for us, not having a clue as to what it was all about. Based on a story by Brian Caunter, the director, and John Bosher, the screenplay is a collaboration by the duo with Andrew Dowd and Josh Staman. There is plenty of action for fans of the genre. In fact, there is nothing new in the film, and yet the viewer is never bored. Part of the success of the film is the wonderful cinematography by Kevin Moss who keeps his camera absorbing the atmosphere of Chicago at its photogenic best showing different ethnic areas in contrast with the sleek skyscrapers.
The best reason for watching "Chicago Overcoat" is veteran character actor Frank Vincent, who has been seen in many films and series. Always a tough guy, he shows a different angle in this picture. He does amazing work for director Caunter. The supporting cast includes Kathrine Narducci, Mike Starr, Stacy Keach, and Armand Assante, among the large cast.
Although this is a variation on a theme that has been seen before, the film does not disappoint.
Lou's life is not exactly a bed of roses. His relationship with Lorraine has seen better days. He has neglected her, so when he comes for her at the joint where she works, she figures he has changed. Wrong! Even though he obviously had a thing for her, he returns so she can be his alibi for the investigation that the police are going to pin on him, eventually. His estranged daughter is divorced, living with his grandson in the suburbs.
Lou makes a mistake by sending flowers to the wife of the first man he kills. An old detective, Rey Berkowski, puts two and two together, remembering a string of killings that remind him of Lou's work. Marazano realizes he must act quickly if he wants to get away with some cash. Eventually, Galante and his men come after him. Lou is able to outsmart them all.
"Chicago Overcoat" is an indie that showed up on cable recently. It was a surprise for us, not having a clue as to what it was all about. Based on a story by Brian Caunter, the director, and John Bosher, the screenplay is a collaboration by the duo with Andrew Dowd and Josh Staman. There is plenty of action for fans of the genre. In fact, there is nothing new in the film, and yet the viewer is never bored. Part of the success of the film is the wonderful cinematography by Kevin Moss who keeps his camera absorbing the atmosphere of Chicago at its photogenic best showing different ethnic areas in contrast with the sleek skyscrapers.
The best reason for watching "Chicago Overcoat" is veteran character actor Frank Vincent, who has been seen in many films and series. Always a tough guy, he shows a different angle in this picture. He does amazing work for director Caunter. The supporting cast includes Kathrine Narducci, Mike Starr, Stacy Keach, and Armand Assante, among the large cast.
Although this is a variation on a theme that has been seen before, the film does not disappoint.
One cliché after another
toddg-473-28981814 October 2012
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.
An underrated mafia story
jimmymick4 September 2022
While this story isn't breaking any new ground, it is something of a surprise. The writing feels adequate and nothing seems awkward in the telling of this mediocre screenplay, but it is definitely Frank Vincent who carries this movie on his back. Frank plays Lou Marazano, an aging enforcer for a Chicago crime family who finds himself needing to help his divorced daughter and grandson. To help them out, he takes on a few important contracts which the head of the family, Lorenzo Galante (played by Armand Assante) puts on 3 persons who have first hand knowledge of his past crimes. If this knowledge gets in the hands of the Feds, Galante would go away for a long time.
The cast does an amazing job and the direction pulls things together nicely. Everything considered, the performances make this run of the mill story engaging and dramatic.
If you are like me and enjoy mafia stories, you will probably like this. If not, you will probably find this movie mundane.
The cast does an amazing job and the direction pulls things together nicely. Everything considered, the performances make this run of the mill story engaging and dramatic.
If you are like me and enjoy mafia stories, you will probably like this. If not, you will probably find this movie mundane.
Overcoat should of stay where it belongs.. in retirement just like the character should be
nozametoshi18 July 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Chicago Overcoat should of stayed where it belongs, the film is ripped with clichés and concepts mashed into a mob film although it isn't much of a terrible film to watch. The film tries to convey film noir with voice over narration, a gritty and dark world mashed with the mafia- setting and it's quite annoying considering this film was released three years ago. It attempts to convey so much of that set period even though its setting is in modern times.
The film is ripped with clichés and overused concepts that maybe not exaggerated to a point but it's evident that the director wants to derive other classic films into his; first of all, the main character played by Frank Vincent is a old hit-man, Lou Marazano working for the mafia who XXX days before retirement and even at the start, it was implied that. Plus there is a rigid, no-nonsense, hard-boiled detective, Ralph Maloney (Danny Goldring) who's investigating a murder by Lou who "doesn't play by the rules" and it just felt like Nick Nolte's character from 48 Hrs plus a plethora of other detective films. It just felt contrived that they would go through lengths to make it a noir film and released it as unique.
What even disappoints me is the dialogue, it felt cheesy to the point that they felt to conceal the cheesiest and I find the characters' interaction throughout the film, laughable. One huge example is when the detective is interrogating Vincent's character, that scene was so pointless and irritating and the detective just came out as a chicken- s*** himself. I mean, he just constantly insults the main character due to his nature of sending flowers to the person that he killed and kept constantly asking the same question to him; be that of a chicken-s*** or f****t.
What I found even baffling is he says that again in the end and it clearly shows that the writers of this film just lazily written this character to be no nonsense old cop that "doesn't play by the rules." I really like this detective at first but the writers seems to kill off this character with less impact to this storyline. And Vincent does not redeem any qualities as his character, he does play the mafia-so character well like in The Sopranos but with the bad dialogue, he is just a walking cliché of his own. I mean, he plays a stereotypical mobster and at one point wears black trench-coat attire and uses a freaking tommy gun near the end and the poster shot for the movie just felt like walking into a trap.
There isn't much to the storyline, it just felt like a poor man's Sopranos with Phil Leotardo and Artie's wife in it as well. There are other actors as well specifically Armand from Gotti who plays the mafia boss and dozens of decent performances that I found not really lacking compared to the main characters of this film. It's not that much of a terrible film that of which I did not shut it off but the writing and dialogue plus the clichés mashed into this thing came into decent and bad experience.
The film is ripped with clichés and overused concepts that maybe not exaggerated to a point but it's evident that the director wants to derive other classic films into his; first of all, the main character played by Frank Vincent is a old hit-man, Lou Marazano working for the mafia who XXX days before retirement and even at the start, it was implied that. Plus there is a rigid, no-nonsense, hard-boiled detective, Ralph Maloney (Danny Goldring) who's investigating a murder by Lou who "doesn't play by the rules" and it just felt like Nick Nolte's character from 48 Hrs plus a plethora of other detective films. It just felt contrived that they would go through lengths to make it a noir film and released it as unique.
What even disappoints me is the dialogue, it felt cheesy to the point that they felt to conceal the cheesiest and I find the characters' interaction throughout the film, laughable. One huge example is when the detective is interrogating Vincent's character, that scene was so pointless and irritating and the detective just came out as a chicken- s*** himself. I mean, he just constantly insults the main character due to his nature of sending flowers to the person that he killed and kept constantly asking the same question to him; be that of a chicken-s*** or f****t.
What I found even baffling is he says that again in the end and it clearly shows that the writers of this film just lazily written this character to be no nonsense old cop that "doesn't play by the rules." I really like this detective at first but the writers seems to kill off this character with less impact to this storyline. And Vincent does not redeem any qualities as his character, he does play the mafia-so character well like in The Sopranos but with the bad dialogue, he is just a walking cliché of his own. I mean, he plays a stereotypical mobster and at one point wears black trench-coat attire and uses a freaking tommy gun near the end and the poster shot for the movie just felt like walking into a trap.
There isn't much to the storyline, it just felt like a poor man's Sopranos with Phil Leotardo and Artie's wife in it as well. There are other actors as well specifically Armand from Gotti who plays the mafia boss and dozens of decent performances that I found not really lacking compared to the main characters of this film. It's not that much of a terrible film that of which I did not shut it off but the writing and dialogue plus the clichés mashed into this thing came into decent and bad experience.
Inspiration from Death of a Salesman for an aging hit-man
Ed-Shullivan26 March 2015
If you can relate to the great American author Arthur Miller who wrote the stage and theater play Death of a Salesman than you know the tragic life that Willy Loman the main character in Death of a salesman had. Frank Vincent plays Lou Marazano an aging mobster muscle who never makes captain of his crew. Now Lou's legacy is his daughter and his young grandson. Lou realizes that he has not always been the best father to his daughter during his lifetime of criminal activities. He wants to make things right in his waning years.
Lou's son-in-law is a low life criminal who would rather snort cocaine and hang out at the local strip club than spend any quality time with his wife and son. Lou takes it upon himself to just talk to his step son but this low life has little respect for an aging mobster who could never make captain in his crew. Lou needs to set this scumbag straight not on who he is as a man, but that his grandson needs his father and if his son-in-law does not want to fulfill his parental obligations Lou has an alternative plan.
To make some extra money Lou agrees to take on the contract hits of three local stool pigeons who are going to proceed to court against a mob boss. Lou's signature for completing a contract hit was to always send the widow a bunch of flowers minus the sympathy card. There is an old detective named Ralph Maloney played very well by character actor Danny Goldring who remembers this old mobster's signature calling card but he has to prove that Lou Marazano has come out of retirement after almost 30 years of staying silent with his gun.
So the chase is on and the story line I felt was not only appealing but intriguing and kept the audience guessing how this modern day Willy Loman copycat would end up. Actor Mike Starr plays mob boss Lorenzo Galante who is taking his instructions from the big boss Stefano D'Agnostino played by Armand Assante who orders the hit on the three witnesses that aging Lou Marazano pleads to take on as he really needs the money. We learn later that the assassination money is to be used for only good purposes which I don't want to spoil for anyone who has yet to see this good mobster film.
Lou also has a love interest in the attractive Lorraine Lionello played by the versatile actress Kathrine Narducci. I just loved her role in the Chazz Palminteri 1993 crime film "A Bronx Tale". She played the mother of a young boy named Calogero who was torn between his love for his bus driver dad played by Robert DeNiro and the local mob boss Chazz Palminteri. In my opinion, this is one of the best crime films I have ever seen and it ranks right up there with the Godfather.
As for Chicago Overcoat the title refers to a 1940's term for a gangster rubbing out his opposition and when the dead guy is in his coffin, he is termed to be wearing a Chicago overcoat. The film is well worth watching and I must say I like the way the film ended. I will say no more but encourage you to watch the film. I rate it a 6 out of 10.
Lou's son-in-law is a low life criminal who would rather snort cocaine and hang out at the local strip club than spend any quality time with his wife and son. Lou takes it upon himself to just talk to his step son but this low life has little respect for an aging mobster who could never make captain in his crew. Lou needs to set this scumbag straight not on who he is as a man, but that his grandson needs his father and if his son-in-law does not want to fulfill his parental obligations Lou has an alternative plan.
To make some extra money Lou agrees to take on the contract hits of three local stool pigeons who are going to proceed to court against a mob boss. Lou's signature for completing a contract hit was to always send the widow a bunch of flowers minus the sympathy card. There is an old detective named Ralph Maloney played very well by character actor Danny Goldring who remembers this old mobster's signature calling card but he has to prove that Lou Marazano has come out of retirement after almost 30 years of staying silent with his gun.
So the chase is on and the story line I felt was not only appealing but intriguing and kept the audience guessing how this modern day Willy Loman copycat would end up. Actor Mike Starr plays mob boss Lorenzo Galante who is taking his instructions from the big boss Stefano D'Agnostino played by Armand Assante who orders the hit on the three witnesses that aging Lou Marazano pleads to take on as he really needs the money. We learn later that the assassination money is to be used for only good purposes which I don't want to spoil for anyone who has yet to see this good mobster film.
Lou also has a love interest in the attractive Lorraine Lionello played by the versatile actress Kathrine Narducci. I just loved her role in the Chazz Palminteri 1993 crime film "A Bronx Tale". She played the mother of a young boy named Calogero who was torn between his love for his bus driver dad played by Robert DeNiro and the local mob boss Chazz Palminteri. In my opinion, this is one of the best crime films I have ever seen and it ranks right up there with the Godfather.
As for Chicago Overcoat the title refers to a 1940's term for a gangster rubbing out his opposition and when the dead guy is in his coffin, he is termed to be wearing a Chicago overcoat. The film is well worth watching and I must say I like the way the film ended. I will say no more but encourage you to watch the film. I rate it a 6 out of 10.
Boring mess!
rxelex5 August 2023
I liked the story line and the tommy gun action but the rest of he film was a boring mess of obscenities and dumb stupidities!
The hitman dropped guns full of fingerprints and the acting was over the top Italian gangster mumble talk.
Cops made so many mistakes around the gunmen they deserved to die. Running straight into a room where a gunman may be.
Final shootout has the hitman swing round with a gun when any good cop would have stepped back and to the side ready for such a thing and put two bullets into him!
What baffled me was why are the streets, bars and restaurants so empty!
I'll not bother watching it again.
The hitman dropped guns full of fingerprints and the acting was over the top Italian gangster mumble talk.
Cops made so many mistakes around the gunmen they deserved to die. Running straight into a room where a gunman may be.
Final shootout has the hitman swing round with a gun when any good cop would have stepped back and to the side ready for such a thing and put two bullets into him!
What baffled me was why are the streets, bars and restaurants so empty!
I'll not bother watching it again.
Watchable .... at 5am
islandgirlyacht13 March 2020
Good Movie
chilla-black2 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
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".
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".
Terrible
sabatini-0482919 November 2019
Disappointing
ayante_hdc13 January 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Apparently someone had the idea that having two old guys, each one in a different side of the law, one of them being Frank Vincent (great in his role) and some mafia stuff was enough to have a decent film. Well, it wasn't. It's a pity because with a better script and better acting work in some cases could work but with the bunch of clichés, some nonsenses dialogs and that awful old cop altogether made a depressive cocktail. Some scenes are simply embarrassing to watch, like the one between Lou and Danny. Perhaps it' about the acting difference, perhaps with a more even set of actors could work. It's a pity in any case.
If you are bored without nothing else better to do or see, OK. Otherwise...avoid it.
If you are bored without nothing else better to do or see, OK. Otherwise...avoid it.
Great Movie I had never heard of!
barneypackard1 June 2017
I was living in Chicago when much of this was filmed. This is true life, forget "fake reality TV", this is the real deal. The main star grows on you, you can empathize and feel what he is feeling, although you might not choose his route! Point is, when I finished watching, early in the morning, I thought, "Wow, this is a great movie". Gritty, real in the mob life, the drug life, the police life, and politics. Here you have a criminal, a former hit-man, and he has needs, to care for his family, to hold his rep, to be cared for. The ending was I surprise. I won't spoil, just watch the movie!
Love Love Love!
josephbedsole9 January 2020
Classic Gangster Flick
sydneyswesternsuburbs12 August 2011
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, A Bronx Tale 1993, The Night Comes for Us 2018 and Mean Streets 1973.
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, A Bronx Tale 1993, The Night Comes for Us 2018 and Mean Streets 1973.
The most underrated wise guy movie.
xenazues15 July 2021
I have a lot respect for frank vincet. I also love voice offers and a great actor telling the story. Ray liota in good fellas, robert deniro in the bronx tale, and joe pesci and robert deniro in casino. It truly fills in the gaps of bad writing. I read some reviews and im just wondering what movie they were hoping for. This a movie about the Chicago outfit. You are going to get cops, wise guys and family life. That's just what its going to be about. That's what they all are about. I love this movie cause usually its about the rise and fall of a certain member but this was about a soldier who was passed over for capo. And was getting old. I really love this take. Maybe thats where some reviews are upset. They love the flashy cars, fancy watches and they slick talking gangstas but forget about it. This movie is told from a soldier perspective who wants move up the ranks after being passed over for decades. Who can't relate to not getting promoted at their job. Thr tommy gun was a bit much. But its nice throw back. And frank Vicent is funny. Maybe a few of you forgot why they call them "wise guys". If anyone is looking for mob movies and wants to see frank Vincent in a lead role this is it. Ive seen them all. Godfather, casino, goodfellas, bronx tale and so. This is up there.
A Sea of Human Depravity
lavatch21 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
"Chicago Overcoat" was produced in 2009, and it is rare today to see a film that has this degree of attention to detail in environment. The atmosphere of Chicago permeated the film to the degree that the city virtually became a character.
Narrative development takes a back seat to character and environment. The central focus on Lou Marazano, as unforgettably portrayed by Frank Vincent, takes a deep dive into the labyrinth of the history of crime in Chicago.
It is nearly impossible to follow all of the twists and turns of the complex underworld and the caverns of corruption in the police department. Some of the most memorable moments are the mundane conversation of a grandfather with a little boy or a cigarette smoked by a gangster's moll.
Above all, "Chicago Overcoat" is a feast for the eyes in the area of film style. The breathtaking locations, the lighting, and the camera angles provide an indelible portrait of a world that is a sea of human depravity.
Narrative development takes a back seat to character and environment. The central focus on Lou Marazano, as unforgettably portrayed by Frank Vincent, takes a deep dive into the labyrinth of the history of crime in Chicago.
It is nearly impossible to follow all of the twists and turns of the complex underworld and the caverns of corruption in the police department. Some of the most memorable moments are the mundane conversation of a grandfather with a little boy or a cigarette smoked by a gangster's moll.
Above all, "Chicago Overcoat" is a feast for the eyes in the area of film style. The breathtaking locations, the lighting, and the camera angles provide an indelible portrait of a world that is a sea of human depravity.
Chicago Overcoat Review - it Scores 10 on the Richter Scale.
ewleeds31 May 2022
*The Richter scale is: A measure of the strength of earthquakes, developed in 1935 by Charles Francis Richter, the highest figure recorded was 8.6 in 1960, the Chile Earthquake, this film scores 9, meaning severe destruction and loss of life in 2-hours by one very determined guy Frank Vincent, who deserves an Oscar for playing the part of an ageing hit-man. Question answered: "What is a Chicago overcoat", it is a coffin and a lousy title for a great-great film whose subject matter is a glimpse into the life of an aged gangster who presumably survived the Al Capone and Frank Nitti period in Chicago and still on the go, an elderly hit man who carry's out hits on people we know nothing about, one bullet to the chest, one to the head then phone the boss man tomorrow to collect whats owed.
All the other roles are supporting roles, the Police officers, the broads, the inevitable chase and shoot out, but with so many twist's and turns you do not want this film to end. Maybe, a few scenes with illegal activity, hijacking a truck or two, maybe a casino floor wide-shot, or a racetrack, or betting shop might have made this film go down better, but what the hell, it scores 9, and is the best film we have watched for ages. I loved it, if it was produced in 1948 the Cagney and Bogart crime film period the queue for tickets would have stopped Broadway. Frank Vincent is the Stars star of this film, Mr Vincent can now reply if asked: Wasn't you once a big film star can now reply "I am still a big film star, it was the films that got smaller." Thanks Frank, Mr Vincent for putting some great acting on the screen for others to copy and learn from.
All the other roles are supporting roles, the Police officers, the broads, the inevitable chase and shoot out, but with so many twist's and turns you do not want this film to end. Maybe, a few scenes with illegal activity, hijacking a truck or two, maybe a casino floor wide-shot, or a racetrack, or betting shop might have made this film go down better, but what the hell, it scores 9, and is the best film we have watched for ages. I loved it, if it was produced in 1948 the Cagney and Bogart crime film period the queue for tickets would have stopped Broadway. Frank Vincent is the Stars star of this film, Mr Vincent can now reply if asked: Wasn't you once a big film star can now reply "I am still a big film star, it was the films that got smaller." Thanks Frank, Mr Vincent for putting some great acting on the screen for others to copy and learn from.
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