I saw the The Dukes movie last night at the Wildwood Film Festival and liked it very much. I am surprised to see it listed as a drama because I didn't see it in that light. I thought it was a good light-hearted comedy that I would recommend as a good family movie. It has a nice story about being down on your luck while trying to hold on to your dreams. I've not seen a movie with Chaz Palmenteri in a comedic performance and found him to be very funny. The movie has some really funny scenes between Robert Davi and Chazz Palminteri playing well off of each other. The music was really good too. I thought there was a nice selection of Doo Wop songs and I especially liked the music by the group, The Emeralds. It was nice to see a local acapella group featured in a really good movie. If the movie comes your way, go see it - you won't be disappointed.
23 Reviews
SAFE CRACKING IS HARD WORK
nogodnomasters12 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
When I start the film, it begins with Robert Davi telling us he directed this film in case we missed it in the credits. The Dukes were the top do-wop group in 1963. It is filmed in 2007, but they don't look over 60, and Danny (Robert Davi) has a 38 year old ex-wife. Try not to think too hard. The group is broke, can't get gigs and work at a restaurant for Aunt Vee (Miriam Margolyes). George (Chazz Palminteri) likes full figured women. The group decides they are going to rob a dental co-op of 35 pounds of low grade gold.
The film was never funny. It had humorous moments. There wasn't enough drama to be a drama, or thriller to be a thriller. It was hardly a crime movie. It lacked the cleverness of classic indie. Now having said all that, it wasn't a bad film, it just didn't feel entertained in any way after I saw it.
No f-bombs, no nudity, implied sex.
The film was never funny. It had humorous moments. There wasn't enough drama to be a drama, or thriller to be a thriller. It was hardly a crime movie. It lacked the cleverness of classic indie. Now having said all that, it wasn't a bad film, it just didn't feel entertained in any way after I saw it.
No f-bombs, no nudity, implied sex.
The Dukes Are Kings!
lorenzo21224 April 2007
What a great film - it was evocative of the sixties - stylish - and the feel was one that grabbed you from the first frames - there's a wonderful story and secondary stories that are hilarious - saw it last night at the Newport Beach Film Festival - what a cast - Hollywood stalwarts Robert Davi and Chaz Palmenteiri star as over the hill Doo Wop stars who are running out of money and work, but they earn their kudos up against Joe Campanella and Peter Bogdonavich - and the music, a Doo Wop background set with a crazy crime caper - it will hook you and give you two hours of pure pleasure. Pure enjoyment, this is so classy and well done! I didn't know that Robert Davi had directed this, but what a debut - the style of the cinematographer was evocative of the glossy old school, which was the heart of the story, and all effects worked to push the story and the mood. This is sure to be a surprise winner of the Festival that also birthed the premieres of "Crash" and "The Illusionist."
Davi's, The Dukes.....Has got what it takes for a great movie experience!
Mack_Muse_Entertainment8 April 2008
What a refreshing, surprising and heartwarming movie! The chemistry of the the actors, the story line, the laughs, the touching moments, friendships/family, and the unexpected...all of that and more with "The Dukes". Robert Davi's first time as a Director was a pleasant surprise. As an actor he pulled off a complex person who has many levels and portrayed that with grace and ease. Peter Bogdonovich played the role of the Dukes manager brilliantly. The music was great and perfect for the mood and the experience of the scenes. What struck me was that whatever age someone is I think people can relate to the experiences of each of the characters...if not them...for sure someone they know. It just reminded me of whatever age we are there are parts of us that never grow up...and who wants to?
Creative Absurdist Comedy
michaelrulle14 December 2007
The Dukes is a story about former Italian American Doo Wop stars (Davi and Palminteri) who have devolved into a dead end existence working in a family Italian restaurant as short order cooks, under the close supervision of their strong willed aunt. Their wish to revive their career seems self evidently hopeless as their droll and equally devolved manager (Bogdanovich) gets them one ridiculously funny--and absurdly degrading--opportunity after another--only to have the group fail in getting any work.
Due to both desperation and a series of very amusing coincidences, Davi and Palmintieri conceive of a ludicrous plan to heist a large shipment of gold. Here, the plot twists begin to take over and command the audience. A combination of Murphy's law, misguided trust,and an hilarious botched implementation bring the group back down to earth. And back to an even more seemingly hopeless devolved state than where they began.
Through a series of tragicomic realizations the group learns what they already knew--hard work, self pride, and real focus is their only hope. But the writer/director Davi could not let them off that easy. They need to be comically punished again, and again....until he finally lets them of the hook in a terrifically funny and satisfying ending.
Due to both desperation and a series of very amusing coincidences, Davi and Palmintieri conceive of a ludicrous plan to heist a large shipment of gold. Here, the plot twists begin to take over and command the audience. A combination of Murphy's law, misguided trust,and an hilarious botched implementation bring the group back down to earth. And back to an even more seemingly hopeless devolved state than where they began.
Through a series of tragicomic realizations the group learns what they already knew--hard work, self pride, and real focus is their only hope. But the writer/director Davi could not let them off that easy. They need to be comically punished again, and again....until he finally lets them of the hook in a terrifically funny and satisfying ending.
A well told story
forchion23 November 2007
In this day and age of computer generated imagery and stunts above and beyond belief it is so very refreshing to see a film where the actors are allow to act. In this timeless turn by Mr. Davi nothing was placed in front of telling a good story and telling a good story well. Put on top of a good story some fantastic music that does not overwhelm but enhance and you have the recipe for success. This film follows that recipe to a "T". It would be a wonderful turn to see Hollywood take a lesson from Mr. Davi and get back to the art of story telling, and out of the business of shocking us into forgetting that there is no story. Kudos to the actors for their excellent performances and Bravo Mr. Davi for getting the job done and turning a good idea into a brilliant film.
FRENCH screening SUCCESS!!
lecoroner1 February 2008
I saw THE DUKES at the french International Comedy Film Festival located in a famous ski resort called Alpe d'Huez. The movie was great with a very nostalgic atmosphere. The audience loved it and it was great to see the actor/director Robert DAVI getting an award for his movie. There was a standing ovation and that guy was really cool ! Everybody knew him from DIE HARD or GOONIES or PROFILER. He was acclaimed by french stars called José GARCIA, Fabrice LUCHINI. The soundtrack is great. We hope the movie will be released soon. The screening was held in the main theater of the festival and the crowd was huge for the final night. This festival is the most important in France for Comedy films. THE DUKES had this nostalgic touch which made the audience happy. It was a great film selected with JUNO. Otherwise most of the films were french.
Fantastic true to life dramedy
califboy20053 October 2007
Saw this film at the DGA, great performances, heart warming, and very funny. Some classic moments, great chemistry between Chazz Palminteri, Robert Davi and Peter Bogdanovich. Miriam Margolyes is great as Aunt Vi, a role she normally would not be thought of. Elya Baskin is hysterical. Frank D'amico, who i have not seen before, is terrific. Eloise DeJoria combines sensitivity with a subtle comedic quality. Melora Hardin, from The Office,hits just the right tone as Danny's(Robert Davi)ex-wife.Bruce Weitz,Elaine Hendriks and Joyce Westergaard are all terrific. This is Robert Davi's first time directing and he does a fantastic job. The film has many twists and I could not predict where things were going ,which I normally do very easily.I laughed as hard in a few places as I ever had. The blending of pathos, humor and believabilty are rare these days..A MUST SEE
GREAT FILM - I HIGHLY Recommend IT
Snaporazz27 October 2008
I saw The Dukes last week at the Chicago International Film Festival. I LOVED IT. I have watched a lot of classic Italian cinema and have seen American films that clearly try to capture the spirit of those films; This is the first one , in my humble opinion that DOES. It is such a charmingly, delightful , funny and heartfelt piece. The ensemble of actors play like a great Jazz band . The performances are real, nuanced, and touching. The humor comes out of human characters not hackneyed forced situations we see in a lot of films today. I laughed out loud so many times but from the humanness of the characters and situation not because of being manipulated into laughter like so many comedies. And this is the first and only film I know of that is dealing with the current economic crisis but does so not despairingly but with a message of HOPE. You will leave the theater feeling uplifted. The film was directed by Robert Davi ,this was his directorial debut and he does a fantastic job . I cannot recommend this film enough. Davi,(who also stars in the film) along with Chazz Palminteri and Peter Bogdanovich has put together a GREAT group of actors. A story for this time. Without going in depth, the film follows two cousins , Davi and Palminteri ,who are DOO -WOP singers . In the 1960s they were the biggest act around . The film takes place today and they are no longer what they once were and are trying to make ends meet. The analogies in the film are right on target. As we see the collapse of the economy and families trying to make ends meet this film speaks to those struggles of trying to redefine how we all make our living ..and survive ..I was brought to tears several times during the film some from that trieste feeling we have from life and others from a kind of joy and hope that you are left with at the end of this film
Fantastic Story, Super cast, Great music.
Paddy-Boy18 September 2007
I was privileged to attend a special screening of the movie at the director's guild in LA with Govenor Schwarzenegger.
I love the camaraderie between the guys. Anyone transplanted from NY to LA knows the struggles and frustrations, especially if they were on top at of their game one point in their life and find themselves trying to make that come back.
Most everyone can relate to the highs and lows experienced in their own life's daily struggles watching as The Dukes confront their situations leaving you with a great message: "NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS".
Kudos to Robert Davi on his directorial debut, fantastic job, he left no emotion untouched. The entire cast was magnificent!
I highly recommend everyone see this film.
I love the camaraderie between the guys. Anyone transplanted from NY to LA knows the struggles and frustrations, especially if they were on top at of their game one point in their life and find themselves trying to make that come back.
Most everyone can relate to the highs and lows experienced in their own life's daily struggles watching as The Dukes confront their situations leaving you with a great message: "NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS".
Kudos to Robert Davi on his directorial debut, fantastic job, he left no emotion untouched. The entire cast was magnificent!
I highly recommend everyone see this film.
Davi Debut Delights
jpowles7 November 2007
Having followed Robert Davi's career for some time, I was not at all surprised by his usual excellent performance in his new film, "The Dukes". The real surprise to me was his deft handling of the directorial task. As a first time director, one might expect to find fault with his efforts. On the contrary. The movie is a seamless, professional product that is extremely entertaining.
Another unexpected surprise was the beautiful singing voice of Mr. Davi. Although I was familiar with his opera background and had heard snipits of his singing before ("Goonies", "Amazon", "Wiseguy") I had no idea that his versatility extended to the "doo wop" genre. One can only hope that we will hear more of this side of the multi-talented Davi again in the future.
I hate to use words like "old fashioned entertainment" or "refreshing" but "The Dukes" is both. Without being maudlin or sentimental. It will have you laughing one minute and then tug at your heart strings the next. As Davi also wrote the script, he should also be given credit for the overall tone of the film. How unusual these days to see a film that doesn't have the obligatory "F Bomb" in every other sentence. And - no exploding cars! Or nudity! It really is a film that the whole family can watch and enjoy.
I congratulate Mr. Davi on his wonderful film and hope that it will be released soon so that the rest of the Country can enjoy it (and so I can see it again!)
Another unexpected surprise was the beautiful singing voice of Mr. Davi. Although I was familiar with his opera background and had heard snipits of his singing before ("Goonies", "Amazon", "Wiseguy") I had no idea that his versatility extended to the "doo wop" genre. One can only hope that we will hear more of this side of the multi-talented Davi again in the future.
I hate to use words like "old fashioned entertainment" or "refreshing" but "The Dukes" is both. Without being maudlin or sentimental. It will have you laughing one minute and then tug at your heart strings the next. As Davi also wrote the script, he should also be given credit for the overall tone of the film. How unusual these days to see a film that doesn't have the obligatory "F Bomb" in every other sentence. And - no exploding cars! Or nudity! It really is a film that the whole family can watch and enjoy.
I congratulate Mr. Davi on his wonderful film and hope that it will be released soon so that the rest of the Country can enjoy it (and so I can see it again!)
A two thumbs up, must see movie...
straum-ltd26 February 2008
This is a well done both smart and funny film--I haven't seen in a long time. A well-casted, perfectly set movie that had great plot to a story. Robert Davi has definitely made a stride in this movie. I love the fact the he takes real-life subjects--such as using "family" and "music" as his motivation to thrive in life. I sure would like to see some more of this kind of stories these days. This film is great for family and friends. "The Dukes" is undeniably entertaining and more importantly--inspiring for all ages. This movie is definitely on its way. Congratulations to Robert Davi for his directorial debut--as he out did himself more so than ever. I love this movie. Please do not miss it.
Very enjoyable!
ronoxygen6 February 2008
We caught this movie at the Newport film festival and loved it!
The comedy and drama was every enjoyable, especially some of the situations George (Chazz Palminteri) gets into with his over-sized girl friends! The overall story of a once popular doo-wop groups struggle to maintain normal life was very new and refreshing. The different routes the characters take to achieve success kept me entertained the whole movie through. The cast of known, and unknown actors was a great combination. Melora Hardin from The Office, which was fun to see her in another roll. Robert Davi, one of my childhood favorites, did a great job as the main character, and even sang beautifully.
Thumbs up!
The comedy and drama was every enjoyable, especially some of the situations George (Chazz Palminteri) gets into with his over-sized girl friends! The overall story of a once popular doo-wop groups struggle to maintain normal life was very new and refreshing. The different routes the characters take to achieve success kept me entertained the whole movie through. The cast of known, and unknown actors was a great combination. Melora Hardin from The Office, which was fun to see her in another roll. Robert Davi, one of my childhood favorites, did a great job as the main character, and even sang beautifully.
Thumbs up!
Critics and audience attending the 2nd RomeFilmFest applaud the terrific "The Dukes"
gianlucanardulli-14 February 2008
"THE DUKES" is the excellent directorial debut by multi-talented artist American (of Italian origins) Robert Davi; I was very delighted and positively struck by this very nice "jewel", a fully enjoyable (dark) comedy about love, friendship, duty, loyalty and comradeship set in contemporary U.S.A.: to me a, a true positive cinema - exploit made onto same inspired way, mood and "Style" of our best Italian Comedies of end 50ties - 60ties. I saw it on past late October 2007, during the 2nd Edition of "RomeFilmFest", where I fully enjoyed it along with the sold out heterogeneous audience that cheered and applauded it at the ending credits into the huge Santa Cecilia's Theatre; it showed up exactly at "Première Section" - which represents the "RomeFilmFest" 's "Red Carpet" -, the non-competitive section for the major international premieres coming from all over the world. The true warm evening event at Renzo Piano's Auditorium gave the better exclusiveness of Mr. Davi's film: with that fine and happy glamour of all the stars and guests attending (all main cast - except for Chazz Palminteri -), it has gone brilliantly. "THE DUKES" really distinguished itself in a wide showcase made of 11 films: Sean Penn's Into the Wild; Elizabeth: The Golden Age, directed by Shekar Kapur; Youth Without Youth, by Francis Ford Coppola, Across the Universe by Julie Taymor, Giorni e Nuvole by Silvio Soldini, La Terza madre by Dario Argento, Rendition by Gavin Hood, Noise by Henry Bean, Silk by Francois Girard, Things we lost in the fire by Susanne Bier. All most important and famous journalists wrote, aired and published plenty of good, excited and positive reviews ! New York-born Davi, one of most recognizable Hollywood's "tough guy" (on both big and small Interntl screens), hits the mark with his first experience "behind the camera" with a movie that entertained and touched me a lot, gifting also a truly lovable characterization which is completely different from those I used seeing (and loving) him in quite all past occasions; the movie's motto "The Music was then. The Time is Now" perfectly resumes the plot which focus and rows, with several twists, on the exploration of the problematic (but, sometimes, necessary) re-defining yourself, dealing with lost fame, and holding tight on Your true-self in life's daily hard times. Since the very first shots, there is true magic especially between Davi and his co-star Palminteri, embodying two Italian - American singers who were at the "Top" during the 60's (the "Doo Wop" era), now actually sharing and living "hard times" in too long-lasting "post-fame" days. Music is the thread, so we hear a lot of nice famous songs and some original pieces, clear tributes to Nino Rota. In fact, several hits by Paolo Conte, Luciano Pavarotti and Sergio Bruni are perfectly and intelligently placed all over (as touches of elegance and easy - remembrances of Italian "classic" atmosphere), as rhythmical and measured background, along with Nic tenBroek fellinesque's compositions made for the evocative and classy score. Davi and all his "DUKES" 's gang give us globally very pleasant performances: it's an entertaining, amusing and very clean movie, made with a homage - look "all'italiana" towards the masterpiece Mario Monicelli's "I Soliti Ignoti". "THE DUKES" is undoubtedly the perfect occasion for assembling whole family to see a nice and light film suitable and surely entertaining for all ages and audiences. An excellent and honest work by Davi, who by the way sings and fascinates also with his incredible voice (hear at "So Much in Love", made "a-cappella"), into this great screen - job made with an ensemble cast (also starring famed director/actor Peter Bogdanovich, the beauty Eloise DeJoria - they were both on the roman Fest's "Carpet" -, the believable Miriam Margolyes, the funny and goofy Elya Baskin and Frank D'Amico). As an avid movie-goer, let me say that all the Italian-American characters and traditions hereby portrayed (everything is realistically so-near to our "true" heritage) are mixed and balanced in a very nice and delicate way. It's a wonderful movie, very heart-warming and touching: don't miss it! The chemistry among all the actors gives a lot of funny and hilarious moments into a very appealing film. Everybody will leave theatre with a good feeling into heart and soul. I look forward to more films directed (also written and produced, like this one) by Actor Studio's member Davi: he made a very good quality show (can't wait to see your next one!): BRAVO BRAVISSIMO!! "THE DUKES" is a terrific must - see and feel-good film. I would love to see it again asap hereby, in Italy. Ciao !
A wonderful story about relationships, desperate times and the human condition
dunnfilms31 May 2007
Robert did a superb job directing this heartfelt drama, it is refreshing to see a film that does not fit like a cookie cutter into the typical studio mold yet keeps your interest and warms your heart. Robert seems to be very influenced by other great Itallian directors and gives a certain European flair to this wonderful offbeat film that is sure to be a welcome change of pace from the typical Hollywood formula film.
The film is an interesting character study about loyalty and friendship that has lasted several decades through the good times and the bad. It is about survival, redemption, and the irony of life, and explores the darkside of good people who sometimes make bad decissions but ultimately triumph in their own peculiar way.
Robert may have a different take on the film than I do, after all he is the creator and the artist behind it, and I am just the Producer, but I am very proud of the work we did and the final product and I think that this film will be well received.
The film is an interesting character study about loyalty and friendship that has lasted several decades through the good times and the bad. It is about survival, redemption, and the irony of life, and explores the darkside of good people who sometimes make bad decissions but ultimately triumph in their own peculiar way.
Robert may have a different take on the film than I do, after all he is the creator and the artist behind it, and I am just the Producer, but I am very proud of the work we did and the final product and I think that this film will be well received.
"The Dukes": is there anything sadder than an NY Times movie critic?
gcatelli15 November 2008
"The Dukes" is as warm-hearted -- and big-hearted -- as a movie can be.
The Dukes, a doo-wop vocal group, had a couple of hits just before the Beatles tsunami swept a great many pop groups somewhere beyond the sea.
these days there are teeth that need fixing, other health emergencies, an ex-wife and an elderly aunt who are as tired of overwork as they are of men who won't grow up, legal bills, and an expired liquor license. there's no money to pay for any of it -- and oldies are now free on the internet.
should The Dukes swallow their pride and do tacky TV commercials? or, cast aside their core values and commit a burglary? or, maybe a little of both?
in one of this film's many fine performances, Danny (producer/director/co-writer Robert Davi, whose own voice sings the lead in the final acappella number) wrestles with his conscience while arguing with his cousin George (Chazz "A Bronx Tale" Palminteri) about whether to pull off a heist.
at a backyard party hosted by the very successful new man in his ex-wife's life (and thus his young son's life as well), Danny deals with his jumble of emotions as subtly and as movingly as any work i've seen.
"The Dukes" has its share of sentimentality (it's a nostalgia movie, after all). and, like the vast majority of movies, a little less might have been a little more. but, it also has plenty of thrills and spills, ups and downs, and some gritty realism thrown in for spice.
so, what's not to like about this movie? well, to read The New York Times's mean-spirited review, you'd think that seeing "The Dukes" might expose the viewer to salmonella poisoning.
sample: "... it tastes like pasta sauce that has sat on the shelf long after the expiration date on the can."
the group's manager, Lou, is described as "{a} miscast Peter Bogdanovich". miscast? Bogdanovich is himself a former supernova director who soon became just another journeyman. it's perfect casting.
about Danny and George's salt-of-the-earth Aunt Vee: "... Miriam Margolyes, wildly overacting..." uh, this part did not call for Judy Dench; Margolyes was excellent just the way she was.
regarding several supporting actresses who have very ripe figures (as in HOT), there's this misogynistic bit of nastiness: "...grotesque, Fellini-size women..."
sad.
but, there's no need for the reader to be sad -- see this movie!
The Dukes, a doo-wop vocal group, had a couple of hits just before the Beatles tsunami swept a great many pop groups somewhere beyond the sea.
these days there are teeth that need fixing, other health emergencies, an ex-wife and an elderly aunt who are as tired of overwork as they are of men who won't grow up, legal bills, and an expired liquor license. there's no money to pay for any of it -- and oldies are now free on the internet.
should The Dukes swallow their pride and do tacky TV commercials? or, cast aside their core values and commit a burglary? or, maybe a little of both?
in one of this film's many fine performances, Danny (producer/director/co-writer Robert Davi, whose own voice sings the lead in the final acappella number) wrestles with his conscience while arguing with his cousin George (Chazz "A Bronx Tale" Palminteri) about whether to pull off a heist.
at a backyard party hosted by the very successful new man in his ex-wife's life (and thus his young son's life as well), Danny deals with his jumble of emotions as subtly and as movingly as any work i've seen.
"The Dukes" has its share of sentimentality (it's a nostalgia movie, after all). and, like the vast majority of movies, a little less might have been a little more. but, it also has plenty of thrills and spills, ups and downs, and some gritty realism thrown in for spice.
so, what's not to like about this movie? well, to read The New York Times's mean-spirited review, you'd think that seeing "The Dukes" might expose the viewer to salmonella poisoning.
sample: "... it tastes like pasta sauce that has sat on the shelf long after the expiration date on the can."
the group's manager, Lou, is described as "{a} miscast Peter Bogdanovich". miscast? Bogdanovich is himself a former supernova director who soon became just another journeyman. it's perfect casting.
about Danny and George's salt-of-the-earth Aunt Vee: "... Miriam Margolyes, wildly overacting..." uh, this part did not call for Judy Dench; Margolyes was excellent just the way she was.
regarding several supporting actresses who have very ripe figures (as in HOT), there's this misogynistic bit of nastiness: "...grotesque, Fellini-size women..."
sad.
but, there's no need for the reader to be sad -- see this movie!
Cool Flick!
bestfilmpics18 September 2007
I attended the screening at the DGA hosted by Governor Schwarzenegger and have to say I really loved this film!
Funny story, great cast -- Robert Davi and Chazz Palminteri are hilarious on screen - the whole group seems like they've known each other for years. LOTS of laughs...and poignant moments too - like the touching relationship between the father and son, and the fact that The Dukes are struggling now when they once had fame and hit records years ago (when the music and "climate" were different).
Really enjoyed the music -- lots of golden oldies in the soundtrack -- Robert Davi even sings, which is very cool.
I'd see this one again with my family for sure.
Funny story, great cast -- Robert Davi and Chazz Palminteri are hilarious on screen - the whole group seems like they've known each other for years. LOTS of laughs...and poignant moments too - like the touching relationship between the father and son, and the fact that The Dukes are struggling now when they once had fame and hit records years ago (when the music and "climate" were different).
Really enjoyed the music -- lots of golden oldies in the soundtrack -- Robert Davi even sings, which is very cool.
I'd see this one again with my family for sure.
Charming, Heartwarming, and Hilarious
daltravers17 March 2008
A cast of characters and a story that i just fell in love with! I was truly captivated by this story and enchanted that it managed to make me cry, laugh, and clench my teeth inside of 100 minutes. This script was so spontaneous and captivating i didn't blink because i didn't want to miss a milisecond. Davi and Palmiteri give beautiful performances that make your heart melt for these two and they are supported by an outstanding cast that each have their own charm that makes your laugh or cry or BOTH! I walked away absolutely charmed by these actors - they did their job on the silver screen and made me fall in love with all of them - be it their talent AND the screenplay. This film was so enjoyable and i find it such a rarity in film-making these days to walk away from a movie feeling so much joy from what i just experienced. Such a great piece, i put it on my top ten indie masterpieces.
Left with a good feeling in my heart!
KidsAlliance17 April 2008
"The Dukes" written and directed by Robert Davi was a nice slice of life movie in which I admire in European films. The characters were well defined with all the defects that make us all human. I was touched by their friendship and how they bumbled through life much like most of us. Davi approached the female characters with a surprised sensitivity. The tone of the film would seem very predictable, but I was surprised at how unpredictable it was. The film left me with a nice feeling about what is really important in life. If there was anything missing in this film, it would be there was not enough of the Dukes singing. I applaud Robert Davi writing and for his achievement in his directorial debut.
Highly recommended by this movie maven!
jay-newton12 November 2008
Robert Davi remains unfettered by the unpleasant vagaries of the present-day movie scene by co-writing and directing a thoroughly entertaining first-feature, THE DUKES.
As one of the most interesting character actors working today, you'll quickly recognize him from his role as the uber-villain in James Bond's LICENSE TO KILL, and a deranged crook in GOONIES, and in literally dozens of roles in film and television. A native son of Astoria, Queens, Mr. Davi studies with the great Stella Adler. Some time ago, he met singer Jay (JAY & THE Americans) Black, a group that had a steady stream of hits in the early 1960's, but as time passed and he was no longer Number One, Black was finding difficulty in earning a living. These discussions between actor and singer resulted provided the kernel for THE DUKES.
With a jaunty intro by radio legend, Cousin Brucie, we enter the world of a fictitious past-their-prime singing group. The years have not been particularly kind to these teenagers who've grown to mature men still possessing all the passion of youth and aching for artistic fulfillment. Mr. Davi, who possesses an amazing singing voice, acts opposite a first-class cast consisting of Chazz Palminteri, Peter Bogdanovich, Miriam Margolyes and Elya Baskin. If you plan on being entertained, see this film!
As one of the most interesting character actors working today, you'll quickly recognize him from his role as the uber-villain in James Bond's LICENSE TO KILL, and a deranged crook in GOONIES, and in literally dozens of roles in film and television. A native son of Astoria, Queens, Mr. Davi studies with the great Stella Adler. Some time ago, he met singer Jay (JAY & THE Americans) Black, a group that had a steady stream of hits in the early 1960's, but as time passed and he was no longer Number One, Black was finding difficulty in earning a living. These discussions between actor and singer resulted provided the kernel for THE DUKES.
With a jaunty intro by radio legend, Cousin Brucie, we enter the world of a fictitious past-their-prime singing group. The years have not been particularly kind to these teenagers who've grown to mature men still possessing all the passion of youth and aching for artistic fulfillment. Mr. Davi, who possesses an amazing singing voice, acts opposite a first-class cast consisting of Chazz Palminteri, Peter Bogdanovich, Miriam Margolyes and Elya Baskin. If you plan on being entertained, see this film!
Great Film- Robert Davi rocks ; attn all Goonie fans!!!!!
sikkwithsin9 May 2010
OK ,so I am a fan- I go to the video store and check out new releases and see Robert Davi on the cover of a new DVD release called The Dukes. Being a huge Goonie fan I rent it. We have family movie night ,sometimes I watch them first and then tell my family and friends. Well, The Dukes was a terrific film. Robert Davi directed the film and did a great job. My mom and dad loved the film and thanked me for bringing it home . They want it for the collection. The characters and story seemed to touch on what a lot of people may be going through these days but they did not give up and kept the faith . We laughed hysterically at times and we all teared up at some points. The music was terrific --we all recommend this movie and think you will enjoy it as we did
What a Great Movie!
dognanny2001200112 May 2010
Congrat"s To Robert Davi on his Directorial Debut!!!! He Definitely Shines As Actor/Writer/Director Here. This Is A Delightful, Funny and Heartwarming Movie. For all family members. You will laugh and cry with these characters, as they take you through their fascinating lives. The performances are right on target and the music is great! If you like Doo Wop, you will love this. Especially Roberts singing- what a voice! The story line is so today. Showing down on your luck buddy's trying to eke out a living, and make a comeback as the Doo Wop group they were back in the sixties. Not your average run of the mill movie that's for sure. Coming from one of the most under-appreciated actors in Hollywood. If you miss this one, You will definitely be missing out. So go buy it already!
Great mix of comedy and schmaltz to make for a true family movie!
micronv1008 December 2008
As a reward for productivity, our company set up an outing, for all staff and their families, to a screening of 'The Dukes' last week. We're a mixed bunch from 6 years to 65 and as ethnically diverse as any L.A. work-force. Would the movie appeal to such a wide range of backgrounds? Yes!, 'The Dukes' was a great mix of comedy and schmaltz to make for a true family movie. Interesting to see the two key characters, Robert Davi and Chazz Palminteri in a comedy role, pulling out all the stops to vamp up their aunt's Italian restaurant and put their lives back on track. Plenty laugh out loud moments including a 'screwed-up' gold heist where the loot ends up being a bag of gold filling amalgam for teeth! Great 50's 'doo-wop' sound-track and, since the cast sing their own numbers in the film, our 'beef' was there was not enough footage of them singing! I would have no qualms about taking the kids and the grandparents along to see 'The Dukes' and, if they are Italian, so much the better
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