Themes: Journey of Self-Discovery, Missing Persons, Haunted By the Past
Main Cast: Jon Cryer, Rick Stear, Rafael Baez, Ione Skye, Frank Whaley
Release Year: 1998
Country: US
Run Time: 94 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
Richard Schenkman, who debuted with the disappointing The Pompatus of Love (1996), returned with this comedy-drama, set on the streets of Brooklyn. When young Richie (Rafael Baez) vanishes, rumor has it that he went insane at Coney Island, so pizza guy Stan (Rick Stear) and pawnshop clerk Daniel (Jon Cryer, who co-scripted with Schenkman) spend a winter's day searching for their childhood friend through the deserted amusement park. They encounter a variety of locals in their wanderings, while flashbacks fill in the story of past events, including Stan's alcoholic escapades which ended his relationship with Gabby (Ione Skye). Shown at the 1998 L.A. Independent Film Fest. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
Philomena Marano - Art Director, Anne R. Flocco - Associate Producer, Dailey Kennedy - Associate Producer, Anne R. Locco - Associate Producer, Mark Saks - Casting, Deirdra Elizabeth Govan - Costume Designer, Vince Maggio - First Assistant Director, Richard Schenkman - Director, Richard LaBrie - Editor, Matt Chilsen - Location Manager, Lawrence Elmer Jr. - Line Producer, Midge Ure - Composer (Music Score), Bill Stabile - Production Designer, Adam Beckman - Cinematographer, Meredith Welsch - Production Manager, Jon Cryer - Producer, Richard Schenkman - Producer, Jon Cryer - Screenwriter, Richard Schenkman - Screenwriter
Daniel (Jon Cryer) and Stan (Rick Stear) search for a childhood friend of theirs - Richie (Rafael Báez), who they believe may be homeless and mentally ill. The film intercuts with flashbacks from their youth to their 30's. Daniel works at a jewelry store that's basically a pawn shop. Stan, who limps as a result of a childhood medical procedure, is a borderline alcoholic and gambler who fights endlessly with his longtime girlfriend, Gabby (Ione Skye).
The film won awards at four separate film festivals although it did not receive praise universally. A.O. Scott of The New York Times gave it a mixed review and ends:
“
Went to Coney Island never quite comes to dramatic or comic life.[2]
