10th & Wolf

Plot synopsis:
Tommy is the son of a Mafia hitman, who, after his father is killed by a rival, moves with his younger brother to live with his aunt, uncle, and cousin in Philadelphia. The sole member of his family who is not involved in crime, Tommy joins the Marines and fights in Operation Desert Storm. Becoming disillusioned when the conflict ended with Saddam Hussein still in power. and disenchanted with military service, Tommy assaults an MP, and steals a colonel's Jeep. Arrested when the jeep runs out of gas, the movie opens with Tommy in the brig at a US Marine base.
An FBI agent (played by Dennehy) coerces Tommy into infiltrating the family business. The agent tells Tommy that he can protect his brother and cousin, if he'll get evidence against the Sicilian mob trying to take over the heroin trade in the US. Tommy is instructed to wear a wire to record negotiations between his cousin and gang leader, Joey Marcucci, and Mafia boss Luciano Reggio.
Tommy tries to get incriminating evidence against Reggio, while protecting his cousin and younger brother in their fledgling attempts to become "goodfellas". His efforts to strike a balance between his family loyalties, and the FBI's need for evidence, take up most of the film's bulk.

Tags: murder, violence, revenge, flashback, romantic, sadist

Review:
10TH & WOLF, written by both Moresco and Allan Steele and directed by Moresco appears on the shelves of DVDs as one of those films that makes us wonder why it didn't do well on the theater screens: it is well written, beautifully directed, has a cast that is consistently fine, and unravels a family involved in organized crime theme as well as any movie out there.Moresco very wisely starts his story in the burning oil fields of Kuwait during Desert Storm where Marine sargeant Tommy (James Marsden, doing his finest work since his brilliant portrayal in THE 24TH HOUR) drives his Hummer through the desert, coming to grips with the absurdity of war, a key turn in his personality causing him to be dishonorably discharged for his refusal to take part in that ridiculous war game.
He is given a deal: FBI agents Horvath (Brian Dennehy) and Thornton (Leo Rossi) visit his cell stateside and offer him clemency if he helps them capture a big drug dealer Reggio (Francesco Salvi) in Tommy's hometown of Philadelphia.
Tommy's brother Vincent (Brad Renfro) and his cousin Joey (Giovanni Ribisi) welcome his return and begin plotting ways to off Reggio.
How the family bonds over losses to big crime and vendettas, and how that lifestyle affects parents (Lesley Ann Warren) and victims turned girlfriends (Piper Perabo) leaving the drive to survive as the paramount goal is the run of the plot.There are plenty of cameos (Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Dash Mihok etc) to round out the dark atmosphere, but the strength of the film lies strongly on the shoulders of Marsden, Ribisi and Renfro and they handle their roles exceptionally well.
. .totally miscast and an average performance, the cameos of Tommy Lee and Val Kilmer were distracting and unneeded, Brad Renfro was good in any one scene but from scene to scene his character was not consistent.
. .one scene he seemed normal and the next he seemed like Rain Man, the dialogue had a few too many clichés, and the movie did not completely capture the period of the early 1990's or, in flashbacks, the mid-80's.
It had a legitimate cast, though I was a little disappointed in the screen time of some of the actors and you can figure out which ones I'm referring to if you have also watched the film.
It is Ribisi, in fact, who is the star of this film, not Madsen.
His character screamed one-dimensional and static just like most "good guy" roles do.
I was surprised at how much I liked this film, being that I had never heard of it.
The story focuses on Tommy (James Marsden), who has just come home from the army, but he's now undercover (working for Brian Dennehey), to bring down the gangsters he grew up.
He comes home to see his brother Vincent (Brad Renfro) and his cousin Joey (Giovanni Ribisi), and the story goes from there.
Also notice certain celeb cameos, such as Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee, an d Dennis Hopper..
While living in Pittsburgh when 10th and Wolf was being filmed, I eagerly awaited its release, but never heard anything about it.
I think this has been James Marsden's best work to date, and his character is very well developed throughout the plot.
Like Dennis Hopper the movie is just not believable.
10th and wolf is simply the most action-packed, fast-paced mafia movie that i have ever seen.
The elements that this movie brought to the mafia genre were pretty original - as far as i can tell.A mafia movie mixed with elements that are pertinent to Americans today - War in the middle east, family, betrayal, and not to mention incessant philandering, and the constant need for respect - I also loved the elements of the 3 brothers - American born, breed, and raised - trying to get their piece of the pie - when all the while - they are clearly the underdogs.Maybe i loved this movie because i'm an action junkie, and the gangster ass scenes just don't stop coming, the movie moves along like an avalanche.But it may have just been the camaraderie between the 3 brothers who were ingenious in their acting roles, the fact that I never had a brother may have something to do with that.this movie is worth giving a chance..
or the people bitchen that it doesn't look like the real 10th and wolf..
Maybe it's just because I happen to think Giovanni Ribisi is an exceptional actor, but I really did find this to be a surprisingly good film.
Maybe this is a bit cynical, but there really wouldn't be much reason for a woman to watch this movie if not for somebody with good looks like Marsden playing the lead character and gracing the cover of the DVD.
Hey, don't get me wrong, Piper Perabo has made me watch a movie or two that I regret, so it definitely goes both ways.
But overall I definitely would recommend seeing this film for Ribisi's performance if nothing else.
Check this one out if you're a fan of the genre, it will hold your attention and may surprise you a bit as it's much more than just the former Marine forced to return home in order save his family from a couple of corrupt cops trying to extort him..
I saw the world premier of 10th and wolf at the palm springs film festival on Friday night April 21st it was excellent with a ton of violence probably the most violent mafia movie I had ever seen.
I think almost all true mafia movie lovers will love this film .
the acting I feel was a 10 all the actors did great outstanding performances by Giovanni Ribisi , James Marsden , Brad Renfro and Dash Mihok.
I would highly advise people to see the film when it is released the only thing i would change is that I feel their should have been more scenes in the strip club to many close ups didn't give me the feel that was needed.
Ribisi is always good and he gives a great performance.
It starts out with the cliché, voice over done by the lead character as all mob movies do.
It was a story based on a Philadelphia mafia, I was thinking Joey Merlino but I guess not because of the ending.
It was a mediocre movie with a good cast and lots of clichés.
James Marsden, Giovanni Ribisi, and Brad Renfro were all excellent and were believable.
I don't know, but I think Rocco was played by The Tony Luke, Jr. His roast pork sandwiches are fantastic.My main problem with the movie is that it was not filmed at 10th & Wolf.
I grew up in Philadelphia and it looks nothing like the scenes in the movie.
The worst performance in the film probably comes from Lesley Ann Warren, who acts all Jennifer Coolidge-esquire in an over-the-top role.
After seeing this movie, everyone will know that Paul Haggis is the real brains behind "Crash," because what Bobby Moresco wrote here comes straight from the lame examples you would find in a book on how to write a screenplay.
Trust me, and don't waste your time on this movie if it ever ends up coming to a theater near you, which it probably won't.
A decent story, good acting, but for a good number of people who have spent any time in Philly and/or Pittsburgh, ...
I don't know how much better "10th & Wolf" would have been if the geography matched the story, but for me it would have been more believable..
Basic story here is one of situational ethics.This is the kind of thing that the right-wing nut-jobs on radio and TV decry except when it is used to do things like fight drugs or find terrorists.In this movie James Marsden plays a returning Desert Storm vet that got in trouble and is used by the government (Brian Dennehy & Leo Rossi) to rejoin his brother and friend (Giovanni Ribisi and Brad Renfro) to infiltrate the Philadelphia mob and bring down the drug lord.
It is a shame that people will actually think that Pittsburgh is Philly.
I really think I started to lose interest every time I was reminded that the movie was NOT shot in Philadelphia.
I really feel the movie lost its authenticity by not being filmed in Philly.
He really wanted to shoot it in Philly like all the rest of his movies, but how long should he have waited, losing money, for Philly to get its act together.
I have a great idea for the producers of 10th & Wolf, how 'bout filming a movie that takes place in LA and shoot it in Paris.
I didn't think this mob movie was profound as the Godfather but I rated it five out of ten stars on IMDb.I liked the cast and the acting was at least as good as prime time TV.
I am from Philly and I know a little about the mob in Philly but I'll have to dig further and find out which mob guys this film is supposed to be based on.While I thought this film was moderately entertaining the street and river shots hardly looked like Philly.
I thought this film was Awesome..maybe some didn't but understand,not all gangster movies takes place or have the same story line as NY setting.
played an great role..he does in every movie he is in..don't try to compare this movie to a Bronx Tale or Donnie Brassco..it is truly unique..and has a good story line..Givonni truly is a great actor..the rest know they are..if you never lived in Pgh or visited..you'll never get it..for all who didn't like it..open your minds..Every actor played their part very well,high five ot all of them..For all you movie buffs referring to this movie as "Donnie Mersco"..it;s Donnie Brassco..maybe that's why you didn't like it..you don't GET IT.
I don't know what film these other people were watching but this was pretty bad .
It contains all the usual elements found in these 'tough' and 'gritty' crime dramas  the questionable loyalty between hoods who have grown up together on the mean streets of the city's slums, the psychotic gangster, the tough but vulnerable single mum, the doting mother, the sleazy clubs, the random acts of violence, the pop music soundtrack  but never once comes close to showing any signs of originality.James Marsden  as anonymous a leading man as you are ever likely to find  plays the son of a mobster drummed out of the marines for stealing a jeep and going after Saddam on his own when the US call off the Gulf War on the dictator's doorstep back in '91.
Returning to his old haunts, he falls in with his slightly feeble-minded brother and his cousin  ably played by Giovanni Ribisi  who is about to embark on a gang war with the mobster in question, which leads to the usual conflict of loyalties.After watching this I wondered not only why I bothered watching it through to its inevitable conclusion, but also why anybody bothered putting up the money for it.
It takes a 'played out' story and adds a new twist from a different angle via the point of view of a young man who was born into the mobster life style.
If you want something sharp, and original (And, yes, mobster movies can still be original), then check this film out!
10th and Wolf tells the tail of a young marine who finds himself in military prison, being made a deal to go back home and back to his criminal ways in an attempt to bring the mob down and save face for his brother and cousin.
Great film with cameo appearances delivered brilliantly by Val Kilmer and Dennis Hopper.
Funny....in the opening subtitles, I saw Phildelphia, 1984.In case you didn't know this movie was supposed to take place in Philly at 10th & Wolf!
If a movie is supposed to be called Times Square wouldn't you expect it to be filmed in NYC!!!!!!!!!!!!
Some good acting from experienced cast helped a tired old plot keep your attention for the length of the movie.
Movies that glamorize the disease of the gangster are doing real law abiding people a great disservice.
It didn't resemble Philly at all.As far as the movie goes, it wasn't too bad, but some parts were very predictable.Don't rent it if you're originally from Philadelphia..
I mean, come on, you couldn't send a cameraman to the other side of the state for some B-roll footage?Pittsburgh is a great town, but it doesn't look anything like Philly.Other movies set in Philly not shot in Philly:  Devil (shot, I believe, in Montreal)  Baby Mama (New York)  Next Day Air (Los Angeles)Seems that the Philadelphia Film Council is really falling down on the job.
Anyway, the film itself is a unique mob tale that utilizes the acting talents of James Marsden, Giovanni Ribisi, and Brad Renfro.
I was pleased with James Marsden's performance because it showcased his ability to carry a leading role in a movie instead of playing supporting characters like Cyclops in the X-Men movies or Lois Lane's husband in Superman Returns.
There were a few problems with the film such as the unnecessary cameos of Val Kilmer and Tommy Lee. Also, I felt Lesley Ann Warren's performance as Aunt Tina was a little annoying and over-the-top.
Lastly, my biggest complaint was that the story is supposed to occur in Philly, but in the background of one scene you can see a Budweiser billboard with the Pittsburgh Steelers logo on it, which is the absolute last thing you would ever find in Philadelphia.
Despite these minor problems, the film is a well-made piece of cinema that shows the great acting abilities of the up-in-coming stars of Hollywood.
10th & Wolf is the kind of film that I always liked, in fact year back I may have given this a much higher rating.This is a drama about loyalty,friendships, honour, family.
James Marsden, Giovanni Ribisi & Brad Renfro have the leads, they are first rate especially Ribisi.
Piper Perabo is the main actress in this film, & soon will have starring roles,Leslie Ann Warren, Brian Dennahy,Dennis Hopper all have good scenes, Val Kilmer has a small cameo, (I did not recognize him .For some reason, the story location is Philadelphia BUT was made in Pittsburgh.There is lots of violence & many people die.
The movie never sets out to be anything different than what it is--a story about family, betrayal and the desperation we all have to be loved and to fit in.
Although laced with parallels to other pictures, 10th & Wolf stands on its own as it is based on actual events and characters and should be judged for its strong story and amazing actor performances.
"This is not necessarily that." I've heard people 'in the know' say, Giovanni is hauntingly similar to the real-life character he portrays.
You make the call, but I think it is a film definitely worth seeing..
If you've seen DONNIE BRASCO, you've seen parts of 10TH & WOLF.Here we have Tommy (James Marsden, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND) trying to set his life straight.
His brother Vincent (Brad Renfro, GHOST WORLD) has fallen in with a friend's "business." This friend is Joey (Giovanni Ribisi, THE GIFT) who's attempting to become a boss of his own.
Not willing to let Joey go through the danger alone, Tommy accompanies him into an explosive situation, only to learn that his brother Vincent's mortal coil may have been shed already.Although fairly predictable, the story has some wonderful acting moments.
It is where he and Tommy stand near a fence toward the end of the film and Joey speaks of trust and those who wear wires for "the good guys." It is a very touching and dangerous moment, because the audience doesn't know if Joey is going to kill Tommy or if his cold heart actually has a place for Tommy in it.That there aren't any "big bosses" around adds a tension to the flick that is often lacking in other more gratuitously violent mafioso movies.
Joey and another small time crook are trying to become godfathers of their own in the small community, and it is their battles with the past, as much as with each other, that makes this film stand out above its predecessors..
Although this movie seems to be a mob story, the theme of this film is betrayal.
"What doesn't kill you will leave you stronger" is the final lesson from all this and they leave town, hopefully to start over somewhere else.The acting was universally excellent, marking James Marsden's further display as a serious actor in a serious adult film.
Everything in paper must have looked better than the finished product, owning perhaps to Mr. Moresco's trying to outdo himself with characters that are, by now, like a cliché.
Fans looking for a violent film will have no problem liking "10th and Wolf" because there is enough blood to please everyone.Giovanni Ribisi plays a larger than life role as Joey, the bad kid with connections to the organized crime he experienced since an early age.
Dennis Hopper and Val Kilmer cameos don't add anything to the story.One wishes the director and his cast better luck next time and while the movie doesn't live up to its promise, it will please an audience that will see it for what it's not..
The acting was good, and characters came across as believable and Giovvani Ribisi cast as a gangster boss broke the normal mafia mold.
As for the rest of the film Brian Dennehy looks in his 70's, why would a man this old still be working frontline for the FBI?
I know this happens in most films but I'm looking for reality.