I thoroughly enjoyed this film. I may be somewhat biased insofar as I grew up in the five towns and went to school there. Although the film has drawn some criticism as simply being a "Mean Streets" with the seedy, urban locale transposed to a wealthy, suburban environment, this is not the whole story. Similar events to those depicted in the film were happening with kids in these areas, so it really is not a mere rehash of Scorcese. The plot involves three inseparable childhood friends, sons of wealth and privilege. Andy (Steve Parlavecchio), Trevor (Patrick McGaw), and Billy (Joseph Lindsey), grow up in the Five Towns L.I. They enjoyed doing petty crimes as youngsters for the respect it earned them as well as to escape boredom. After finishing high school, in the late 1980s, Billy asks Andy to make a drug delivery for him. Once Andy says yes, the stage is set for a story involving drugs, wealth, Jewish gangsters, and the bonds of friendship. Definitely worth a look if you enjoy this type of film, but admittedly falls somewhat short of its lofty goals insofar as a lack of character development and overall plot structure. Interesting note - Mira Sorvino shows glimpses of the future in her first real movie role in the film.
Review of Amongst Friends
