WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE
Directed & Written by: Philip Frank Messina.
Produced by: Robert Greenhut, Amy Lemisch & Penny Marshall.
Director of Photography: Brian J. Reynolds.
Edited by: Claudia Finkle.
Music by: John Powell.
Released by: Winner Communications.
Language: with English subtitles.
Country of Origin: USA. 105 min. Rated: R.
With: Robert Costanzo, Alan Arkin, David Strathairn, Beverly D'Angelo, Elle Macpherson, Laura San Giacomo, Amy Madigan, Jon Tenney, Lauren Tom, Bill Murray & Martin Scorsese.

You know their faces but can never remember their names. They're character actors, performers who have never achieved the fame of a big-time superstar. Always looking for roles, they are often forced to play characters that reinforce ethnic or religious stereotypes. With Friends Like These tells their story. They struggle to get by in Hollywood playing these small parts, but one day Johnny DiMartino (Robert Costanzo) gets a call from his bulimic agent (Beverly D'Angelo). It turns out Martin Scorsese is planning to do a movie on Al Capone, and he wants an unknown in the lead role.

This revelation is meant to be kept under wraps, so naturally it's only a matter of time before everyone in Johnny's social circle is gunning for the role of Capone. The movie's greatest strength is its chemistry between the four lead actors, fittingly played by character actors the audience will recognize but may not be able to identify. Costanzo's character is the center of the film, and he gives a warm and affable performance. Lending support are Alan Arkin as Steve, who is frequently cast as a neurotic Jew, Jon Tenney as dim-witted cad Dorian, and David Strathairn as the soft-spoken Armand. The cast also includes an impressive gallery of female talent, so it's a real shame that Amy Madigan, Elle Macpherson, Lauren Tom and Laura San Giacomo are all stuck with light "wife-of" parts that contribute little to the overall story.

The film moves along at a brisk pace. Unfortunately, the family scenes frequently slide into clichés, and some of the plot points in the final act can be seen from a mile away. Although With Friends Like These is a low-budget film, there are many moments where the sets are much too attractive. It becomes hard to believe these actors are truly struggling to get by when they are complaining inside such opulent homes.

Regardless, any actor who has struggled to get a role of real substance will feel the characters' pain. Film aficionados should also get a kick out of the frequent references to classic gangster films. With Friends Like These was filmed several years ago, and the producers have had a long struggle with distributors who thought it couldn't connect with a large audience. That assessment is completely misguided. With its big, broad comedy and feel-good vibe, the movie is almost the very definition of a crowd-pleaser. Despite a few flaws, With Friends Like These is a fast and fun 105 minutes at the movies. Robert W. Glidden
February 25, 2005