Watch West of Brooklyn

West of Brooklyn is a 2008 independent drama film that revolves around two young men from Brooklyn, New York named Michael and Eddie. Michael is a wisecracking Italian-American and Eddie is a quiet Russian-Jewish boy. The story takes place in the 1980s and follows the two friends as they embarks on a journey to Los Angeles in search of redemption, success, and a better life.

The film stars Ronnie Marmo as Michael and Joe Mantegna as his father Vito, while Natalia Livingston plays the role of Emily, a girl from their past who now lives in Los Angeles. The movie is written and directed by Ronnie Marmo himself, who based the story on his own life experiences.

Michael is a struggling actor with big dreams of becoming a star in Hollywood. However, his father Vito is pressuring him to take over the family plumbing business. Michael is torn between his father's expectations and his own aspirations. On the other hand, Eddie is a nurse who is struggling to support his sick father and has to face discrimination due to his ethnic background.

Together, the two friends set out on a cross-country road trip to Los Angeles, hoping to make something of themselves in Hollywood. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges. They meet Emily, who Michael had a crush on in high school, and they are reunited after many years. However, Emily is now married and Michael has to come to terms with his feelings for her.

The movie deals with themes of friendship, family, acceptance, and the pursuit of dreams. As they travel across the country, Michael and Eddie experience a series of misadventures and mishaps. They are robbed, lose their car, and even get arrested. However, they persevere and continue on their journey, driven by their ambition and dreams.

The performances in the movie are excellent, particularly Ronnie Marmo as Michael. He brings a lot of humor and heart to the character, making him both relatable and likable. Joe Mantegna as Vito is also great, portraying a tough yet loving father who wants the best for his son. Natalia Livingston does a good job as Emily, bringing depth and complexity to her character.

The cinematography and soundtrack of the movie are also noteworthy, adding to the overall atmosphere and tone of the film. The scenes of the road trip are beautifully shot, capturing the vastness and beauty of the American landscape. The music is also well-chosen, incorporating classic rock and pop songs from the 1980s.

Overall, West of Brooklyn is a heartwarming and engaging drama that tells a relatable and moving story. It explores the challenges and struggles of two young men from Brooklyn as they set out on a journey to find their place in the world. The movie is a testament to the power of friendship and the importance of pursuing one's dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.