The film’s pedigree is a solid one with the show’s original creator David Chase and former episode writer Lawrence Konner penning the story and screenplay. Setting its timeline as a prequel was also a wise move and it takes full advantage of the salty language and unruly race relations of the time.

Building the main storyline on a character, Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola), that was never seen on the television show gives hardcore fans more involvement. As does the casting of the late great James Gandolfini’s son Michael as the young Tony. His scenes are quite moving even with their limited screen time.

When the nostalgia of spending the evening with some of your favourite fictitious criminals wears off, you are left with a slight feeling of need. That to get the full effect of the film you need to know the Sopranos’ world intimately. For those with that knowledge, it’s an engaging ride and one filled with easter eggs that pay dividends.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/WarnerBrosAU/

The film is predominantly dialogue based and a lot of the humour is quite quick so attention must be paid but it’s a hilarious world to enter. A place where everyone has their own agenda and is not afraid to do what ever they can to make things happen. Morality and virtue definitely take a backseat to self-serving and narcissistic behaviour.

The television show’s documentary style and handheld camera look is mostly kept intact as are the chances for the actors to deliver some great lines. Every actor gets his or her time in the spotlight but a few players really stand out. Scottish born actor Peter Capaldi is both incredibly profane and funny with a foul mouth and vivid imagination for the use of various farm animals. While Tom Hollander is flawlessly cast and his deer caught in the headlamps persona is perfect for a politician with limited intelligence and scope.

Even though the characters in this film live in a completely fictional world, it’s scary when you realize that this outrageous slice of political pie is probably not that far from the truth.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/madmanfilms