City Island Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A prison guard brings home his secret son, an ex-con, to live with his unsuspecting family, leading to a chaotic explosion of hidden desires and bizarre secrets – it’s basically daytime soap opera meets community theater.

🍿 City Island: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introducing the Rizzo Family

The Rizzo family lives on City Island in the Bronx, each harboring their own secrets and desires. Vince Rizzo, a corrections officer, secretly dreams of becoming an actor. His wife, Joyce, works as a secretary but suspects Vince is having an affair due to his mysterious ‘poker nights’.

Secrets and Aspirations

Vince Jr., their son, has a fetish for overweight women, indulging in it online. Their daughter, Vivian, has lost her college scholarship and is secretly working as a stripper to earn money for tuition. The family’s communication is strained, leading to misunderstandings and hidden truths.

The Arrival of Tony

Vince discovers that Tony, a prisoner in his facility, is actually his long-lost son from a past relationship. He brings Tony home under the guise of needing help with construction, further complicating the family dynamics. As Tony integrates into the household, tensions rise and secrets begin to unravel.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Vince Rizzo (Andy Garcia): A prison guard secretly aspiring to be an actor, Vince brings home his long-lost son, setting off a chain of revelations within his dysfunctional family.
• Joyce Rizzo (Julianna Margulies): Vince’s fiery wife, Joyce suspects him of infidelity while harboring her own frustrations and acting on them.
• Tony (Steven Strait): An ex-con and Vince’s illegitimate son, Tony’s arrival disrupts the Rizzo family’s secrets and forces them to confront their hidden truths.
• Vince Jr. (Ezra Miller): The Rizzos’ quirky teenage son, Vince Jr. struggles with his secret fetish for larger women and an apathetic outlook on life.
• Vivian Rizzo (Dominik Garcia): The Rizzo’s daughter, Vivian hides her college suspension and her job as a stripper from her family.
• Molly (Emily Mortimer): An aspiring actress and Vince’s acting classmate, Molly forms a platonic bond with Vince and encourages him to pursue his dreams.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Vince Rizzo: “I’m a corrections officer, not a prison guard!” – Vince corrects someone who calls him a ‘prison guard,’ highlighting his pride in his profession.
• Vince Jr.: “I did heroin with a bunch of prostitutes at the Plaza Hotel. I’m thinking of becoming a pimp.” – Vince Jr. sarcastically responds to his father’s question about where he slept, showcasing his rebellious attitude.
• Michael Malakov: “No pauses! No more pauses!” – Michael Malakov emphasizes the importance of spontaneity in acting during his class.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,671,036
• Worldwide Gross: $7,878,856

💥 City Island Reviews

Personal Review

I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed City Island. The characters are so quirky and relatable, even with all their secrets! Andy Garcia’s performance is phenomenal, and the scene where he auditions is pure gold. I especially loved how the movie portrays the complexities of family life with both humor and heart. It’s one of those films that makes you think about your own family secrets and the importance of communication. Definitely a must-watch for fans of indie dramedies.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent films.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven stories.”
  • “Those interested in dysfunctional family comedies.”
  • “Audiences seeking a blend of humor and heart.”
  • “Fans of Andy Garcia, Julianna Margulies, and Alan Arkin.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language.”
  • “Brief references to stripping and sexual fetishes.”
  • “Some mature themes related to family secrets and strained relationships.”
  • “Smoking.”

Professional Reviews

• New York Times: “City Island is a delightful dramedy, anchored by Andy Garcia’s charismatic performance. The film delicately balances humor and heart, offering a poignant look at family dynamics. Raymond De Felitta’s writing showcases his strong suit of dysfunctional stories and is one of the best films in the genre.
• Rolling Stone: “The performances are uniformly excellent, with Garcia hitting new heights. The film’s strength lies in its ability to find humor in everyday family struggles. The final act might be a bit too neatly tied up, but the journey is well worth taking.
• Variety: “Raymond De Felitta’s ‘City Island’ is a smart, well-observed dramedy that explores the tangled web of family secrets with wit and warmth. The ensemble cast shines, making this a truly enjoyable viewing experience. A unique and unforgettable family.

Audience Reactions

The dinner table scene is pure comedic chaos!: Viewers praise the film’s witty dialogue and relatable family dynamics.

Andy Garcia delivers a career-best performance.: Many viewers highlight Garcia’s acting as a standout element of the movie.

Overall Consensus: City Island is a critically acclaimed dramedy praised for its witty writing, strong performances, and relatable portrayal of a dysfunctional family. While some find the ending too tidy, most agree it’s a heartwarming and hilarious film.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Dominik Garcia, who plays Vivian Rizzo, is the real-life daughter of Andy Garcia, who plays Vince Rizzo.”
• “Director Raymond De Felitta makes a cameo appearance in the film as a writer.”
• “The movie was filmed on location in City Island, Bronx, New York, adding to its authentic feel.”

🖥️ How to Watch City Island?

Currently, ‘City Island’ is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and potential streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed City Island, you might like these similar films:

• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): Features a quirky, dysfunctional family dealing with individual struggles and secrets, similar to the dynamic in City Island.
• The Savages (2007): Explores complex family relationships and hidden resentments through dark humor and poignant moments, mirroring the emotional depth of City Island.
• Moonstruck (1987): Captures the Italian-American family dynamic with humor and warmth, set against a New York backdrop, reminiscent of City Island’s cultural milieu.
• The Kids Are All Right (2010): Deals with family secrets and unconventional relationships, exploring the complexities of modern family life with a comedic touch.

🛒 City Island Related Products

• City Island [Blu-ray]: Own City Island in stunning high definition. Includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and director’s commentary.
• Andy Garcia Signed City Island Movie Poster: A rare and authentic autographed poster from City Island, featuring Andy Garcia’s signature. A must-have for collectors and die-hard fans.
• City Island Official Movie T-Shirt: Show your love for the film with this stylish and comfortable t-shirt featuring iconic imagery from City Island.
• City Island: A Novel Adaptation: Dive deeper into the world of the Rizzo family with the novelization of the hit movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Overture” – performed by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek
• “Acting Class” – performed by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek
• “What’s So Funny” – performed by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Fat Girls with Hot Guys: Vince Jr. & Cheryl/Denise ( City Island )

Ever wondered about the ‘fat girls with hot guys’ subplot in City Island? This clip dives deep into Vince Jr.’s character and those relationships. Honestly, it’s a bit weird, but definitely thought-provoking – worth checking out!

✨ Rate