With Friends Like These… is a 1998 American comedy film directed by Philip Frank Messina and starring Robert Costanzo, Jon Tenney, David Strathairn and Adam Arkin.[1][2] Bill Murray appears in a cameo.[1]
The film was originally released on home video in 1998 and was later give a theatrical release in 2005.[2]
Plot
Four small-time two-bit character actors (Costanzo, Tenney, Strathairn, and Arkin), all close friends, are competing for the same important part in the next Martin Scorsese mob film.
Cast
- Adam Arkin as Steve Hersh
- David Strathairn as Armand Minetti
- Jon Tenney as Dorian Mastandrea
- Robert Costanzo as Johnny DiMartino
- Amy Madigan as Hannah DiMartino
- Laura San Giacomo as Joanne Hersh
- Elle Macpherson as Samantha Mastandrea
- Lauren Tom as Yolanda Chin
- Beverly D’Angelo as Theresa Carpenter
- Ashley Peldon as Marissa DiMartino
- Allison Bertolino as Dana DiMartino
- Bill Murray as Maurice Melnick
- Frederika Kesten as Catrice
- John Capodice as Actor Friend
- Carmine Costanzo as Nino DiMartino
- Heather Stephens as Babette
- Martin Scorsese as Himself
- Jon Polito as Rudy Ptak
Critical reception
The Village Voice, “Even a few strong strands of acting from David Strathairn aren’t enough to stitch the threadbare script in this cheap mohair suit of a movie, where plot and characterization are drawn strictl off the rack. Only a mook could love it, and if you don’t know what a mook is, go see With Friends Like These and be found—I mean find out.”[1]
The New York Times, “”With Friends Like These,” which was originally released seven years ago on home video, is only now surfacing as a theatrical release. Although it’s no classic, it’s a cut or two smarter than the average Hollywood comedy. At its best, it plays like a less acerbic, less Jewish triple episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” The movie’s retrieval from oblivion is well deserved.”[2]
References
- ^ a b c L’Official, Peter (February 22, 2005). “Tracking Shots: With Friends Like These”. The Village Voice. Archived from the original on March 1, 2005.
- ^ a b c Holden, Stephen (February 25, 2005). “Choice Mob Role Leads to a Goombah Frenzy”. The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 29, 2015.