See it at the Movies

A MOST VIOLENT YEAR

with Joyce & Don Fowler
Posted 2/5/15

* * * ½

(NYC mob tale)

Oscar Isaac plays Abel Morales, a Latino owner of a growing New York City oil company in 1981. He and his wife Anna (Jessica Chastain), the hardened daughter of a mob …

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See it at the Movies

A MOST VIOLENT YEAR

Posted

* * * ½

(NYC mob tale)

Oscar Isaac plays Abel Morales, a Latino owner of a growing New York City oil company in 1981. He and his wife Anna (Jessica Chastain), the hardened daughter of a mob boss, work hard to build their company, buy a choice piece of waterfront property, and compete against dishonest, mob-related businessmen.

The movie opens with one of Morales’ drivers being hijacked, followed by one of his salesmen being brutally beaten. The union boss (Cranston’s own Peter Gerety) wants the drivers to carry guns for protection.

Who is doing this to the seemingly above-board businessman? And why?

Meanwhile, Morales is being investigated and eventually indicted by a federal investigator (David Oyelowo).

The two-hour movie moves slowly, at times too slowly, as Morales fights back with everything he has, makes a few deals, and tries to protect his employees, family and business.

“A Most Violent Year” is a fascinating study of ethics and morality, plus the dark side of mob-controlled businesses in the ’80s in New York. It is a gritty tale, filled with interesting characters with a few twists and turns, violence, provocative situations and a suave, determined protagonist who you will find yourself rooting for right to the end.

Rated R, with some violence and profanity.

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