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ON THE RUN
Cast:Michael Imperioli, John Ventimiglia, Joaquim de Almeida, Drena De Niro, Nick Sandow, Paul Lazar, Sharon Angela
Winner Best Feature Film Award at Ourense Independent Film Festival 1999, Spain
I found out that On The Run was playing at the Nantucket Film Festival. Now,
for me, Nantucket isn't exactly a drive around the corner, but I can tell you seeing
this film was worth the trip! For Joaquim fans - I'll have to tell you his screen time
is short. His perfomance is brief, but oh-so wonderfully done. His fans all know
that he can do the "evil, bad guy" parts quite well, but there is an underlying
comedic tone to Ignacio. As a viewer, I couldn't quite decide if he was playing the
part straight (evil) or as a characture of a gangster/pimp. I think that was
the point... Good acting!
Albert and Louie have known each other since childhood, and of course whenver they do
something together there is trouble and it's Albert who always takes the fall.
The action of the film is based on the adventures that ensue from Louie's visit. On
The Run is a chronicle of mad-cap, zany, situations. However, Bruno de Almeida and
scriptwriter, Joseph Minion (After Hours), don't always take you where you expect to
go. There are twists and turns that add depth to this film. Of course there is plenty
of outright comedy, but there is much subtle humor here as well.
Both these actors are excellent in their individual characters. With Imperioli, you'll
want to hug him and bring him home to Mom. Ventimiglia, well, you won't know whether you
should slap him or bring him home (and NOT to Mom!).
Is this film perfect? No, I can't say that it is. There were many times I wished the
director had had a bigger budget to work with. There were some scenes that cried out
for more budgetary freedom. (Give this guy a decent budget to work with and I believe you are
going to see a film that will make you stand up and notice.)
The ending sequence was a bit of a victim of budget. Yet, budget or no budget, the
ending screen shot, in my opinion, brought together the talent of actor and director
into a memorable, emotionally effective scene.
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Joaquim in his role as Ignacio with actor,
John Ventimiglia. 
Considering it was such a long trip to get to Nantucket, I am glad I liked the film
besides the fact that Joaquim was in it. In fact, I liked it a lot! The film centers
around two characters, Albert and Louie. Albert is a shy, retiring
sort, and Louie... well Louie is not. The story revolves around Louie's request to
Albert to let him come over to Albert's place for just a little while. Louie has
just gotten out of prison (we later find out that he's actually escaped).
There are other stand-out performances as well.
The character of Rita is played by Drena DeNiro (yes, Robert's daughter). The audience
adored her. Talking with the others who saw the film it was fun to discuss whether it
was Albert or Louie who was their favorite of those two. But, everyone loved Rita!