# Snitch (1998)

### reviewed by
Harvey S. Karten

    MONUMENT AVE.

Reviewed by Harvey Karten, Ph.D. Lions Gate Films Director: Ted Demme Writer: Mike Armstrong Cast:Jason Barry, Billy Crudup, John Diehl, Greg Dulli, Noah Emmerich, Ian Hart, Famke Janssen, Denis Leary, Colm Meaney, Martin Sheen, Jeanne Tripplehorn

Movie critic Roger Ebert relates that he was once criticized by his editor for saying in a review, "The Irish have the gift of gab." Not politically correct, the statement was cut. Now, as the P.C. movement seems in retreat, a victim of its excesses, we can safety bring back that stereotype. If we're to believe some of the recent movies featuring people of Irish ethnicity, the Irish talk even more than the French. The star-filled "Monument Ave.," which becomes compelling only if you have the patience to allow ambiance to take precedence over plot, is no exception. The story, not outrageously original, is wholly redeemed by demonstrating the love that Irish-Americans have for talk and, in fact, during the first twenty minutes or so you're likely to wonder where the story is headed. Since with one exception the characters are supposed to be Bostonians and not Dubliners, theirs is not the lilting language of W.B. Yeats but rather the rugged conversations that saturate the banter of working-class folks. The earthy women are as leathery as the men, a quality that's highlighted as director Ted Demme contrasts the discourse of one hard-drinking, chain-smoking lass (Famke Janssen) with that of a yuppie individual from the other end of town (Jeanne Tripplehorn).

"Monument Ave." bears the stamp of autobiography, permeated with photos of an extended family of Boston Irish from their childhood. The pictures contrast the happy, innocent beach scenes of youth with the smoke- and intrigue- filled days of their approaching middle years. Bobby O'Grady (Denis Leary) and his circle live in Boston's Charlestown neighborhood, which is a square mile but whose working- class population is being slowly eroded by an influx of cash- rich yuppies. He makes his living as a petty thief, the kind of charming burglar so popular in largely comic movies: a smooth, magnetic type whose best friend is the improbable Mouse Murphy (Ian Hart). They break into yuppie houses to steal cash and furniture and when they take cars, they go for the Ferraris. Their circle includes the treacherous Jack O'Hara (Colm Meaney), whose specialty is making sure that nobody rats to the cops and who shares his wealth with the needy older women of the small neighborhood. Others involved in the general malfeasance are Red Coherty (Noah Emmerich) who acts as a fence and Digger Bruce (John Diehl) whose taxi is used for their transportation. Not exceptionally greedy, they are not above helping relatives come over from Ireland. Bobby's Dubliner cousin Seamus (Jason Barry), brought over with the stolen funds, quickly becomes Americanized albeit unwillingly into a life of crime. The only threat is the police, particularly Hanlon (Martin Sheen), who tries to break through the code of silence that keeps the gang going strong. Human flaws have a way of causing friction, and in this case Jack's girl Katy (Famke Janssen) has been cheating on her man by seeing Bobby.

Helmer Ted Demme, using Mike Armstrong's circuitous screenplay, demonstrates his love for the salt-of-the-earth Irish Americans by a broad toleration for their little schemes. The movie's funniest scene involves Bobby's description of one of the jobs, with his friend Mouse breaking into a yuppie household to steal cash and jewelry. Mouse takes his time for a triple-decker sandwich from the homeowner's frig, thumbing through the guy's collection of old baseball cards, and eventually falling asleep on the waterbed--an upscale contraption he had never before seen. Demme also hones in well on a professional ice hockey game in a rink watched over by Red, and contrasts this with a choose-up game on the neighborhod streets played by the winsome group of friends. Though the foibles of this little band of thieves is looked upon with approbation, director Demme makes clear his horror of the tragedy that can result when a nasty leader is threatened by rumors of squealers among his people.

Milking the milieu of both the working-class and of the ethnic Irish in America, Demme imparts a slender but ultimately compelling story made into superior fare thanks to the exceptional acting of the always reliable Denis Leary, who is supported by an ensemble of performers--including Billy Crudup, who shows another side to his fine acting talent. "Monument Ave." suceeds by being at once a sociological tract, a caper film, and a showcase for superb performances.

    Rated R.  Running time: 90 minutes.  (C) Harvey Karten
    1998

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