The Dukes (2007)

"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!

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!

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.

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."