The film is a comedy drama based on the life of actor and comedian Pete Davidson who plays the lead role of Scott Carlin. Scott is a school dropout and drug addict who lives with his widowed mother and hangs out with a group of likeable losers. When his mother begins a new romance, Scott is confronted by all that’s wrong with his life.
That may sound dismal, but in fact the film is great.
WATCH ANDREW’S REVIEW HERE:
Acting
It is the cast that really makes this film – particularly the dynamic and magical performances of Pete Davidson, Marisa Tomei, Steve Buscemi, and Bel Powley.
8 out of 10 for acting.
Plot/Script
Based on Pete Davidson’s life but partly fictionalised, the story is fairly simple but very engaging and filled with humour.
8 out of 10 for plot.
Cinematography
Nicely filmed, and it has an almost documentary, fly on the wall feel to it.
7 out of 10 for cinematography
Set/Costumes
Lots of on location and outdoor sets combined with contemporary working class costumes gives the film and authentic feel.
7 out of 10 for sets and costumes.
Entertainment
The story is quirky, the plot is fairly simple, but at times unconventional and the characters are superb so this movie is very engaging.
8 out of 10 for entertainment value.
Average
Averaging all those scores means The King of Staten Island gets 7.6 out of 10 overall.
Summary
The lead character in this movie is a bit of a broken asshole, but Pete Davidson plays him so well that you cant help but like him. It’s a great movie, and if you don’t like drugs and bad language, you might be offended by it.
THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND
In New Zealand Cinemas 16 July 2020
136 Minutes
Starring: Pete Davidson, Marisa, Tomei, Bill Burr, Bel Powley, Maude Apatow, Steve Buscemi
Directed by: Judd Apatow
