Don Q – Movie Review

First Reaction – Don Q gets some good laughs and laughs the Mafia mentality.
Where to Watch
Don Q is on digital 15 September from Reel2Reel Films.
Director: Claudio Bellante
Writer: Claudio Bellante, Michael Domino (Screenplay)
Cast
- Armand Assante (American Gangster)
- Chuck Zito (The Rock)
- Frank Aquilino (Goodfellas)
- Alesandra Assante
- Marcello Assante
Plot: Don Q, a Little Italy resident, imagines himself as a powerful mafia boss aiming to restore the neighborhood’s values. The return of a ruthless ex-con challenges Q’s delusion, embroiling him and a loyal recruit in a turf war over the area.
Runtime: 1 Hour 48 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Don Q starts as we meet a little Italy resident Don Q (Assante) who believes he is a powerful Mafia boss. He values improving the local neighbourhood and keeping people safe. However, most people put up with him and let them enjoy his everyday routine.
His life is turned upside down when a real ruthless ex-con arrives in the area and his peaceful world is destroyed. He must turn to the locals to stand up for what is right before the ruthless gangster takes over.
Verdict on Don Q
Recap
The movie follows a senior member of a neighbourhood who believes he is a Mafia boss. However, the local crime boss returns and it leads to a clash between the two. He must decide where he stands in the area and protect his neighbourhood.
Best Parts
The movie gets to poke fun at the Mafia stereotypes in the neighbourhood. It shows the macho mentality becoming a Mafia gangster can create. The performances are good, and the leading one creates a fun comedic role without playing for laughs.
Worst Parts
The movie does most things well, but it can feel a little bit longer than it needs to. Elsewhere, the laughs are slightly shorter than expected and it becomes far too serious for no reason.
Final Thoughts –Don Q is a fun poking laughs at the Mafia life style.

