The Many Saints of Newark is a movie that spoke to me on many levels. I’m from New Jersey, I’ve watched every episode of The Sopranos probably four times or more, I’m a James Gandolfini fan, I grew up in New Jersey when the Newark race riots occurred (which figured prominently in The Many Saints of Newark), and there are scenes in and around Bahr’s Landing, arguably the best seafood restaurant in the world. Ah, where to begin.
For starters, the movie is the story of Tony Soprano as a kid and then a teenager. The Many Saints of Newark is a prequel. The young Tony Soprano is played by none other than Michael Gandolfini, James Gandolfini’s real son. Michael Gandolfini’s looks and his mannerisms make him completely believable as a younger version of the mob boss. I can’t imagine the pressure on this young man as an actor to play the role well. My compliments and thanks to you, Mr. Gandolfini. You succeeded and your father would be proud.
Most of the characters in The Sopranos are shown in their earlier years in The Many Saints of Newark, including Silvio Dante, Pauly Walnuts, Tony’s mother, Tony’s sister Janice, Big Pussy, and others. Whoever did the casting on this movie did a very good job; the actors in each role were completely believable as younger versions of themselves. They were superb. The actors must have spent considerable time studying The Sopranos. Their accents, their mannerisms, their speech patterns, their expressions, even the way they walked brought back memories of The Sopranos series. It was an incredible set of performances.
In addition to the actors shown above, the late Ray Liotta actually played two roles, but I don’t want to spoil the movie for you. He was good in both.
You can watch The Many Saints of Newark on Netflix for $7.99 or you can get it on Amazon, and trust me, it will be money well spent. I give The Many Saints of Newark two thumbs up only because I don’t have more thumbs. When the movie ended, it closed with the theme music from The Sopranos (emphasizing its place as a prequel), and that was a nice touch.
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Popup ads: You know what to do!
Have you seen Steven Van Zant in “Lilyhammer” on Netflix? Fantastic. I wish it had more seasons. So good. And so you know… I clicked on the erectile disjunction medication pop-up ad just for you. Previously I clicked on a woman’s lingerie ad that, I’ll admit, I spent some time on. Sorta worth it. Give Lilyhammer a try, well worth it.
I did watch Lilyhammer and I enjoyed Steven Van Zant’s character in it.
Regarding clicking on that ad just for me: Thanks. At my age, I need all the help I can get, but is that stuff expensive? I’ve been saving up for a used Sportster.
Wouldn’t know. Don’t need it. I once saw a guy in his sixties pass out at a party. His lady friend rushed to his aid. I didn’t know him but I suggested strongly they get an ambulance as he may have had a stroke. The lady friend got angry at me and when the guy came to he was angry at me as well for suggesting a stroke. Then the two of them went home. It was then when my friend, who was hosting the partY, told me that his uncle had taken Viagra and was waiting for it to kick in. I guess it did. LOL.
Hi Joe,
Always enjoy reading your blog. Soprano’s fan good to know. I grew up with the Sirico’s and knew Jr’s (Pauly Walnuts) and brother Carmine. I hung out at their parents Candy Store on Coney Island Ave. in Brooklyn. Bought illegal fireworks from Junior aka PW and fought with Carmine. Thanks for the memories.