There’s an abundance of mid 90’s nostalgia that plays out in the film. The costume, the dialogue and who was casted all reverts to that era. It is something that does bring the film down as it centers on it and does not concentrate on the story. The nostalgia drives the story- thus it becomes the mark and becomes flat. John Turtorro plays Harry, an old guard of the grift of street pickpocketing. He’s been able to sustain a comfortable life and support his disabled bedridden wife with his learn criminal trade. His life gets turned around when he lifts from a younger man whose family is connected and leads to a spiral of self-reflection and possible redemption. The result is craving of what could have been a great catalyst to spotlight the marvelous performance of Turtorro- but he and the cast get bogged down by a rigged familiar point-by-point story structure and typical closure. The film could have been so much more. There is so much to explore about a learn trade that is almost going extinct.

The film is about New York actually. Even with its beginning we sense a love and hate relationship to it that leans heavy on the love. That is where it is succeeding. The shots and scenes on the street, on the ground, on the subway, the B-roles hosts are all gorgeous. Showing that the setting is the story.

It’s interesting that Harry is portrayed as irritated at times and it’s evolving rather than tired as he continues pickpocketing past his sixties. Harry still has the vigor of still doing what is doing. His blind side is tech. He, along with his pal pawn shop owner Ben, played by Steve Buscemi long for the good ole days without cellphones and computers. There is no retirement plan for thieves, there is no pension. There is no portfolio. Harry actually needs a way to stop, and he can’t himself. He needs a big score and the chance is provided (conveniently) when he lifts a wallet from the son of a connected family.

We feel for Harry. He’s generous with the money he lifts. He tips his neighbor to watch his wife when he is out to score. He has a charm and quiet demeanor. He is good at sizing up who to approach.  What is not out right established that should have been is that Harry is seeking out a big score, that he needs to go against his M.O. of small time lifts so he can stop. He’s in a paradoxical fix. The movie never flushes that part out because it is concerned tightly with its nostalgia.  It’s the main driving force, not the characters. Below the surface motivations were never

This is a John Turtorro film. Decades of being a supporting role, the lead, and even a side character Turtorro is terrific talent, it just this story provides the avenues to get him to really blossom out of the story. In fact nothing emerges out of the film other than New York. The story is about New York, but not today’s New York, it is mid-90’s New York.  The characters are mere vessels to serve it. Nostalgia is a hell of a drug 7/10