City by the Sea Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop chases his junkie son for murder, only to realize family history is just a really bad curse, so he has to make things right before the grandson ends up selling mixtapes on the boardwalk.

🍿 City by the Sea: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Vincent LaMarca

Vincent LaMarca, a New York City homicide detective, has built a respected career. Haunted by his father’s execution for kidnapping and murder, Vincent strives to maintain order and justice. He lives a solitary life, distanced from personal connections, focusing solely on his work.

Estranged Son and a Murder Investigation

Vincent’s world is upended when a murder investigation leads him back to Long Beach, Long Island. The prime suspect is his estranged son, Joey, a drug addict struggling to survive. This case forces Vincent to confront his past and the broken relationship with his son.

Confronting the Past

As Vincent delves deeper into the investigation, he grapples with the legacy of his father’s actions and his own shortcomings as a parent. He realizes his absence profoundly impacted Joey’s life, pushing him towards a life of crime and addiction. He must now decide where his loyalty lies.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Vincent LaMarca (Robert De Niro): A New York City homicide detective haunted by his family’s past, who must confront the possibility that his estranged son is a murderer.
• Joey (James Franco): Vincent’s drug-addicted son, who becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, forcing his father to choose between duty and family.
• Michelle (Frances McDormand): Vincent’s girlfriend, who seeks to understand him but finds herself caught in the crossfire of his troubled past and present.
• Gina (Eliza Dushku): Joey’s girlfriend and mother of his child, struggling to provide for her son while battling her own demons.
• Spyder (William Forsythe): A ruthless drug dealer seeking revenge for the murder of his associate, complicating Vincent’s investigation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Vincent LaMarca: “How’d we get this way son? I remember the day you were born.” – Vincent expresses his anguish over his broken relationship with his son.
• Joey: “Yeah? Well, I remember the day you left. So we’re even.” – Joey retorts, highlighting the pain of his father’s absence during his childhood.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $22,449,000
• Worldwide Gross: $29,676,703

💥 City by the Sea Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘City by the Sea’ a surprisingly emotional ride. The scenes between De Niro and Franco were particularly powerful. The weight of Vincent’s past, combined with Joey’s struggles, created a palpable sense of tension and despair. It made me think about how family histories shape our lives. While dark, the film left me feeling hopeful for the future.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Robert De Niro and James Franco”
  • “Viewers who enjoy crime dramas with a focus on character development”
  • “Those interested in stories about family relationships and redemption”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “De Niro delivers a solid performance as a cop haunted by his past, while Franco shines as the troubled son spiraling out of control. While the plot treads familiar ground, the strong performances and gritty atmosphere make it a worthwhile watch. It’s more of a character study than a thriller.
• IMDB User Review: “This underrated drama is elevated by De Niro’s compelling performance. The film explores the complexities of family and the burden of legacy. The gritty setting and realistic portrayal of drug addiction add to the film’s impact. This film deserves more attention.

Audience Reactions

The raw and honest portrayal of the father-son dynamic resonated with viewers.: Many praised the performances of De Niro and Franco, noting their ability to convey complex emotions.

The film’s unflinching look at addiction and its impact on families left a lasting impression.: Viewers appreciated the gritty realism and the absence of easy answers.

Overall Consensus: A gritty and emotional crime drama with strong performances that is thought-provoking and relatable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robert De Niro personally chose James Franco for the role of Joey after being impressed by his performance in the TV movie ‘James Dean’.”
• “The movie was inspired by a true story about a New York City detective whose son became a murder suspect.”

🖥️ How to Watch City by the Sea?

City by the Sea is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) are also available through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed City by the Sea, you might like these similar films:

• Pride and Glory (2008): Deals with similar themes of family loyalty versus duty within the police force, focusing on complex moral dilemmas.
• Cop Land (1997): Features a nuanced exploration of corruption and morality within law enforcement in a small town setting.
• Q & A (1990): A gritty crime drama set in New York City, exploring themes of police corruption and moral ambiguity, starring Nick Nolte.

🛒 City by the Sea Related Products

• City by the Sea (DVD): Own the physical copy of this dark and raw crime drama. The DVD includes behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews, offering a deeper dive into the film’s themes and production.
• Robert De Niro: The Iconic Actor Collection: A curated collection of Robert De Niro’s most iconic films, showcasing his impressive range and talent. Includes films such as ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Raging Bull,’ and ‘Goodfellas.’
• Long Beach, NY Boardwalk Photo Print: A high-quality photo print capturing the essence of the Long Beach, NY boardwalk, reminiscent of the film’s setting. Perfect for fans who appreciate the movie’s gritty atmosphere.
• James Franco Filmography – Digital Download: Stream or download a collection of James Franco’s notable film appearances. Watch Franco’s diverse roles in comedy, drama, and experimental films. Curated for movie enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

City by the Sea features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Red Sails In The Sunset” – performed by Guy Lombardo

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

“City by the Sea” – short doc about 1990’s Atlantic City , Trump and his Taj Mahal Hotel/Casino

Ever wonder about the real-life struggles of seaside cities? This short doc on 90s Atlantic City, complete with Trump’s Taj Mahal, offers a surprisingly relevant peek. It’s a fascinating look at the complexities of these unique environments, trust me, you’ll find it interesting!

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