Borough of Kings Reviews

Filled with subterfuge and intrigue -- and a few outright quotes from the Bard -- the original title, Brooklyn Sonnet, gives an idea of where the plot points for this Shakespearean mobster saga come from. And it works, for the most part, as loyalties are questioned, identities are mistaken, and retribution is swift and violent. Acting, editing, and overall production values keep pace with the gritty urban story that manages to capture a palpable sense of New York City. Debuting star James Stanek seems to be living parallel roles -- real life meets fiction -- as the hungry young actor clinging to a career-making part in a play. He acquits himself nicely despite the pressure of carrying his first movie. While not on the scale of The Godfather, this mobster drama with thrills easily compares with smaller mob films, including any given episode of The Sopranos.