STRAYS (or DOORMEN as his script was initially titled) marks the entry of Vin Diesel (AKA Mark Sinclair Vincent) into the film world in a very small budget (under $50,000.), independent 1997 movie he wrote, directed and acted the major role. To appreciate this very realistic, modest, slice of New York life the film presents, it helps to watch the features added to the DVD (the film is released to the public for the first time): interviews with the cast and with Diesel give a sensitive and heartwarming background that enhances the movie experience. Though Diesel studied acting and worked in theater in New York prior to this film, it was not until he made his own film that he captured the attention of the people who make things happen. And now that Vin Diesel is a major Hollywood presence it is fascinating to see this initial opener.
The plot is simple enough: Rick (Diesel) is a minor drug dealer who also works as a bouncer with his buddy Tony (F. Valentino Morales), and hangs with Fred (Joey Dedio) and his 'brother' (Mike Epps, in his first role in film). The guys live mainly for easy sex and camaraderie - all of the have been raised by mothers without knowing their fathers (thus, are 'strays'). As Rick matures he grows tired of his shallow lifestyle, misses the connection with his mother he never developed, and is prime bait for a relationship. Into his life steps Heather (Suzanne Lanza), a wholesome Midwestern girl, the two have a mutual attraction, but as their courtship dance progresses Heather disapproves of Rick's at times gang-like behavior and his drug dealing. They come together in an extended park bench conversation (excellent writing) during which they realize they each have repairs to do on their previous lives before they can enter a serious relationship.
One aspect of this little film that makes it a cut above the many others like it is the quality of natural acting Diesel draws from his cast: uncredited female actors who provide the sex interest for the men are variably excellent, and Morales, Dedio and Lanza are particularly strong in their commitment to ensemble acting. The script is fairly strong, though the barrage of expletives becomes tiresome after a while. Yet in the end, Diesel establishes his skills as a serious actor and as a fine director and writer, and for the chance to see one of Hollywood's major talents in his nascent stage, this film is well worth watching. Grady Harp, January 08 Strays
Wow, this movie was better than I expected. I thought it was going to be all about drug dealing and street thugs with a little romance in the mix. But I found it to be a romance story with a little street life in the mix. I found the character of Rick (Vin Diesel) to be very vulnerable and needing something more in life. He just wants to be loved, truely loved. Not just for the way he looks or acts but for who he is when he stands alone. I think the story shows that Vin can really embrace the role of a character who is romantic, and I hope to see more of him in these type of roles. Overall a great life changing movie and I was still thinking about some of the lines several days after watching the movie, so watch and enjoy.
This is a must see for any true Vin fans out there. It truly shows him in a new light.
His life, up until this point has been about sex, drugs, women, and beer along with his 'brothers' and friend.
They all grew up with out their fathers in their lives and it seems that the only thing they have is each other.
"Rick" is the oldest of the group and it seems he's the only one that has some responsibility and vision for the future. He's ready to grow up and leave his slutty ways behind.
He wants to fall in love and he knows that after so many women in his bed, that's it's going to be hard to find a special woman because, they are too innocent and pure for someone like him to touch and bring down.
He's a low level drug dealer and he "Doesn't do this for a living" but for some extra cash... though they never show any of them doing a REAL job and they never tell you what that job is.
It's all lies, especially out of "Tony's" mouth. He'll say anything or do anything to hook up with a woman and he had no remorse. He finds it funny when he ends up catching something but Rick flips on him. Finally, well hopefully making the others in their group see the light.
This is a very gritty, dirty and crass film. It is not for the family. It is unrated but it is about an NC-17.
If you only want to see the sweet Pacifier side of Vin, then don't bother with this. If you want to see what it was like growing up in NY in the mid 90 for a bunch of go no-wheres. If you want to see the intelligence and seamless conversations, albeit vulgar conversations, between true friends then get this.
Vin has so much talent and only a small part of that is show here. He made this film with little more than 40 G's and I've seen million dollar films that make this one look like Oscar winning roles.
Brilliant and raw. And that "Making of" is nice to see. Vin looks truly happy and it's almost as long as the film itself.
Strays goes beyond simple entertainment and accomplishes what every great work of art sets out to accomplish. It elicits previously hidden emotions from its audience. It communicates in a subtle and elegant fashion while maintaining a clarity of truth that can not be denied. Often the elegance of our lives is misunderstood or simply overlooked by the harshness of reality. This movie embraces the bitter and often ugly truth while quietly revealing the beauty and fragility of the human experience. This movie changed my perspective on life and if that isn't the true definition of art then I don't know what is.
You can't just watch it once and expect to see or understand the subtleties. The art, the passion, the feel of this movie is layered in by excellent writing, acting and directing. It is not a slam it in your face action movie that speaks to an ignorant audience. Strays asks the audience to sit with it and give it room to breathe its life and message in its own time and its own fashion. Like a fine wine, taken too quickly in large gulps one misses everything that makes it special, makes it a masterpiece. Strays will resonate with a generation and will easily become a classic. - Fatherless - Drama - Dvd - Drugs'
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