Knockaround Guys

6 Ratings: 2.7

A movie

Starring Barry Pepper, Seth Green, Vin Diesel, John Malkovich, Dennis Hopper, Tom Noonan Directed by Brian Koppleman, David Levien Writer: Brian Koppleman, David Levien 2001 Product Description Fou … see full wiki

Tags: Movies, Drama Movies

Cast: Dennis Hopper, Barry Pepper, Tom Noonan, Seth Green, John Malkovich, Andrew Davoli, see all

Director: Brian Koppelman

Genre: Drama

Release Date: October 11, 2002

MPAA Rating: R

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500 Street fights, that's what it takes to be a tough guy

Nov 13, 2008

by Schtinky

Rating:

Whether a fan of mobster-type movies or simply intrigued by the star studded cast, take my word for it that this sleeper movie is by far one of the best films of 2002. Amazingly versatile Barry Pepper finally gets a starring role as Matty Demaret, son of mob-leader Benny Chains (expertly played by Dennis Hopper). Matty wants to make something of his life outside his father's influence, but just can't seem to infiltrate the straight world, once everyone finds out about his family ties.

Finally deciding to prove himself to his father, he takes on the important task of picking up a pay-drop for Benny, enlisting the help of his street friends, Taylor Reese (Vin Diesel) Johnny Marbles (Seth Green) and Chris Scarpa (Andrew Davoli). Marbles has a pilot's license, but also an unfortunate drug habit too, so when Marbles looses the bag of money in a po-dunk Montana airport, Matty and the rest of his gang head to Montana to ferret out the money.

But even as Matty and his friends discover a way to break through the thin crust of the small town community, Matty's uncle Teddy Deserve (played by the incomparable John Malkovich) heads to town also to take care of the fumbled operation himself. Standing in their way is Sheriff Decker, (Tom Noonan from Manhunter) who sees himself as a match for the gang of young mobsters.

Get ready for some spectacular acting from an incredible cast, each character seemingly cut from the finest cloth of the actor's abilities. Watch for Barry Pepper's unruffled leadership, Vin Diesel's quiet and confident strength, Andrew Davoli's ladies-man charm, Seth Green's hyper twitchiness, John Malkovich's impeccably articulated evil, Tom Noonan's concealed danger, and Dennis Hopper's disdainful arrogance.

Add to this mix a laid-back soundtrack that adds a casual menace to the overall feeling of the film, and you have a movie that is definitely worth a purchase. The use of quiet trepidation over typical gangster style machinegun parties is what separates this modern mob movie from the rest of the wiseguy clones. Not to mention that the shadier side of the law looks better than the side dappled with the light of a badge. Definitely, a not-to-be-missed film. Enjoy!