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Poster for City Island

City Island

Truth is stranger than family

2009 · 1h 44m · PG-13 Comedy, Drama
Directed by Raymond De Felitta

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Overview

The Rizzos, a family who doesn't share their habits, aspirations, and careers with one another, find their delicate web of lies disturbed by the arrival of a young ex-con brought home by Vince, the patriarch of the family, who is a corrections officer in real life, and a hopeful actor in private.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
81%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Andy Garcia demonstrates real comic chops in this charming comedy of family dysfunction.

Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
Fresh

This is the kind of movie that could easily sink into comedy hijinks as broad and flat as pappardelle. But it doesn't. De Felitta... makes no apologies for the outrageousness of the coincidences and gloriously knotty relationships and secrets.

Jonathan F. Richards, Film.com
Rotten

Writer-director Raymond De Felitta has cut together a frustrating comedy, with the misunderstandings piling up like kindling for a bonfire that his movie never lights.

Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
Fresh

The slice-of-life comedy City Island is a charming throwback filled with authentic characters.

Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Fresh

A funny, heartfelt look at families, relationships and the lies that prop them up as much as tear them down.

Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic

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