Watching Brooklyn Rules I was reminded of that line from the Godfather 3, when Al Pacino as Michael Corleone says, and I may not have the exact quote, but it goes pretty much like: "Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in". He was talking about his entrenched life as a Mafia kingpin. Surrounded by shady and dangerous characters, it was hard to break away from that which held a tight and controlling grip.

How does that relate to Brooklyn Rules? As the backdrop to the story, the Mob related mean streets of Brooklyn during John Gotti's rise to power in the 1980's comes into play as a strong and influential factor for three lifelong buddies who grew up in that environment and chose separate paths in life.

Scriptwriter Terrance Winter, whose resume includes visiting familiar territory in episodes he wrote for TV's Sopranos, gets more personal this time with a story based on himself and two of his best friends, Bobby Canzoneri and Chris Caldovino (who now an actor, is cast in this film as mob henchman Philly), although the "hardcore crime stuff" is fictionalized.

Freddie Prinze, Jr. (whose character Michael is based on Winter) acts as the narrator and protagonist, a guy who aspires to get out of the hood and become a lawyer. Michael works as a meat store clerk on his home turf at night, and during the day attends college at Columbia in the city where he meets and falls for waspy Connecticut bred Ellen (Mena Suvari), a smart cookie who is attracted to Mike's tall good looks and street-wise charm, seeing right through his wannabe Ivy League outward appearance to the soul of a slick con working his act.

Chubby, sweet natured, religious, and penny pinching Bobby, (Jerry Ferrara, of TVs' Entourage) on the other hand, doesn't have a thought about leaving the neighborhood where his parents still live. He simply wants to get a job in the post office, marry his longtime girlfriend, Ivy (Monica Keena) and settle down.

Carmine (Scott Caan, whose father is well remembered by Godfather-nuts) is the vain, fashion conscious, hair obsessed, ladies man who also has no desire to leave the Brooklyn streets behind. Fascinated with mob life, he yearns to be one of the wiseguys, with the belief that it will gain him respect. With that in mind, he manages to get himself mixed up with feared local mob captain, Caesar Manganaro (a scene stealing Alec Baldwin) a move that will bring about major repercussions and a tragedy involving the lives of all three friends.

What we have here are guys that appear opposite in almost every aspect, other than their Italian heritage and neighborhood upbringing. Yet, when they get together their powerful bond (born of love, respect and history) shines through, thanks to the actors' superb chemistry and excellent performances. Due to this and Winter's rich, witty and believable dialogue you come to care about these characters which makes their story so compelling and helps you to forgive it's substantial debt to Martin Scorsese.

Freddie Prinze is the biggest surprise, deserving rightful praise for the first real dramatic role that he could sink his teeth into. I didn't think he was capable of pulling it off, but he had me believing. It was not in the least implausible that his Mike had the smarts and charisma to be a player in whatever world he chose. Adding more realism was the fact that his Brooklyn accent wasn't over the top which was perfectly suited for his affectation of well-heeled refinement, while his edgy Brooklyn demeanor simmered just beneath the surface.

Scott Caan is another actor who has come into his own with this part that shows his emotional depth like never before. Of course, in this role of Carmine he can't help but evoke memories of his Dad, James' portrayal of Sonny in the Godfather flicks. Add a pinch of Saturday Night Fever's Tony Manero and Caan delivers his own defining charismatic take on Carmine.

I am not familiar with Jerry Ferrara's role on Entourage, but his role as Bobby seems to be a natural and perfect fit for the Brooklyn born actor.

With all the crap that comes out of Hollywood, I can't understand why this film, that finished shooting in 2004, was shelved until now, three years later. More than the typical buddy, or gangster driven movie, Brooklyn Rules is an engaging film with lots of heart. I loved the sense of authenticity that prevails throughout the storyline. Director Michael Corrente (who helmed Federal Hill, of the same genre) stayed true to Winter's vision with a strong connection and feel for the story, and it shows.

You don't have to be from Brooklyn to understand deeply rooted feelings of friendship, loyalty and sacrifice. The great collaboration of writer, director and the film's stars brings it home and hits us where we all live.

We want to welcome a new writer to our stable - Las Vegas mover and shaker, and founder of the influential website http://theflickchicks.com/ Judy Thorburn. No one has her finger more smack dab in the center of Las Vegas entertainment scene than Judy and she's been a great friend of zboneman for several years. It's an honor to have her on board.