FEDERAL HILL

In FEDERAL HILL, Nick Turturro of NYPD Blue explodes onto the big screen as Ralph, a small time thief in the low budget, high octane portrayal of life on the streets of Providence, R.I. FEDERAL HILL is the “little Italy” of that city, and native Michael Corrente in his directorial debut, follows the relationship of two friends, as they try to find a better life off the hill. The story opens with Ralphie robbing a house. It is his cockiness that puts his life in danger. Next, he robs the homes of several Mafia members. When he shows up at the jeweler with a certain diamond ring, they have his number. Fortunately, his card playing buddy Frank is the son of the local godfather, who gives Ralph a chance to apologize and return the goods. Instead, he threatens Frank’s father with a pistol. Frank is ordered to “put a hit” on his friend. A sub-plot follows Nicky and his affair with a pretty blonde coed from nearby Brown University named Wendy.

Director Corrente contrasts life on the streets of “The Hill” with the privileged Ivy League life. Unfortunately, the further he strays from the neighborhood, the weaker the story. Ms. Langdon’s portrayal does not help the writing. The language is overly vulgar. The violent scenes are many. Lacking a redemptive ending and loaded with vulgarity and violence this movie is best avoided.