"A Brooklyn Love Story" was recently released on Prime Video for rent. Directed by Steven Feder, the film stars Michael Morano as Mike Moona and Katie McCarty as Honey Caputo. It is a comforting love story surrounded by the traditions of family businesses.
This film follows Mike, who manages his father’s Brooklyn fruit and vegetable store named "Golden Gate." Their store faces pressure to sell by city developers with a particular agenda. The developers want to create a more modern neighborhood; however, the families who live there find comfort in their more old-fashioned, charming neighborhood. They are determined to save Golden Gate from selling, and the community comes together to devise a plan. During this predicament, Mike falls for Honey through her support and love.
Highs
The first high is the character Mike Moona. His sense of humor is awkward and hilarious throughout the film. His relationship with his son and father is undeniably a beautiful bond. He appreciates his father more than anything, and he will give up his dreams to keep his father’s dreams alive. This is a heartfelt bond shared throughout their family.
The spirit of the community is another factor, considering the challenges they face. The community's support for this small business is inspiring to the Moona family. The Brooklyn charm throughout the neighborhood is wholesome. This movie has a wholesome perspective that helps comfort the audience.
The chemistry between Mike and Honey is also undeniable. Mike lost his wife to cancer seven years ago, and Honey is the first woman for whom he has fallen since. This shows how his feelings for Honey are substantial and essential. Moreover, although Honey works for the city developers, she supports Mike's efforts to save his father's business, which shows how much she cares for him. Mike cherishes every moment with Honey, regardless of her relationship with the buyers of the neighborhood project.
The film balances comedic and heartfelt moments well, giving the audience an entertaining perspective on the story. The local mobsters add humor with their plan to keep the store from selling, creating a hilarious Italian mob feel for the audience.
Lows
This film has minimal lows, considering its simple plot. However, one low is that its predictable elements make it easy for the audience to predict what will happen. This romantic comedy involves developers trying to destroy a wholesome neighborhood to make way for a more modern life.
Another low is that the film's character development is limited. The background information on how Mike’s late wife had a relationship with the city developer is lacking. Expanding on that would help the audience understand the frustration caused by this project.
One more low point is that the conflicts in the film are minimal because they are not as dramatic as intended. There are no significant obstacles to resolving the developers' attempts to take the business away.
Verdict
"A Brooklyn Love Story" is a heartfelt, humorous, romantic movie is worth watching for families who want a wholesome community experience. This is a simple romantic comedy that has beautiful community connections.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Mariam Fakhreddine is a film and theater reviewer for The Eastern Echo. She has worked as a news and features reporter for The Echo for two years.
