Friendship is the tie that binds in this story of three men who have known each other since they were young school boys. They've spent their entire lives in Brooklyn, each aspiring to a different lifestyle.
Michael (Freddie Prinze, Jr.) is a great con man and uses his skills to get into Columbia University, where he is a good student with plans to go on to law school. Michael wants to make something of his life, and getting a higher education is his ticket to a better life. He dons the attire of a preppie - which includes penny loafers which becomes the butt of jokes by his best friends - and enjoys his time spent in the city at school. But he always considers Brooklyn his home. Mena Suvari also stars as the rich Columbia student who catches Michael's eye and attention.
Carmine (Scott Caan) is enticed by the mafia that runs their Brooklyn neighborhood. He befriends a big wig in the mob (Alec Baldwin) who takes him under his wing and grooms him for a life in the mafia. Carmine enjoys his lifestyle in Brooklyn, and even more so now that he is "connected" and has some power - albeit illegal and ruthless.
And then there's Bobby (Jerry Gerrara) - a sweet natured guy who has the brains for trivial knowledge but not much else. Bobby dreams of getting a good job and marrying his longtime girlfriend.
The three of them hang out at the local diner and go to the local nightclub in the evenings. At times they have disagreements about their lives and work, but in the end their friendship is a strong bond that cannot be broken - no matter what.
The Brooklyn neighborhood where these guys live is filled with violence and brutalities, and that comes to a head as John Gotti comes to power. A power struggle changes the face of the mob and murders on the streets increase as the various factions vie for control over the neighborhood.
The movie is very brutal, bloody and violent, and yet it is also intriguing. The three men have qualities that are endearing, even though they are not always respectable. Their story is interesting and the actors are believable as these three Catholic Brooklyn characters who love each other and their lives. Although the film has moments of brutality and harsh language throughout, it is an enticing story that will keep you interested from the opening scene to the last. The characters draw you into thier world and you will be caught up in their lives as they mature and find their way through the tough streets of Brooklyn.
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