Wannabes

Wannabes is a gritty, hard-hitting crime drama that delves into the underworld of organized crime and aspiring young boxers. The tale, set in the tough, crime-ridden streets of Brooklyn, New York, is anchored by strong performances from William DeMeo, Conor Dubin, and Robert D'Aleo. Directed by Charles A Addessi and William DeMeo, the film, released in 2000, delineates the allure of power, the vagaries of loyalty, and the devastating consequences of ill-found ambitions.

The primary focus of the narrative is the Pinnizzo brothers, Steven (William DeMeo), and his younger sibling, Alfred (Conor Dubin). Steven is a diligent, hardworking individual who gains recognition in the neighborhood for his legitimate business as a sanitation worker. He is admired for his honest approach to life and his steadfast refusal to join the local mob, despite its persistent allure. Alfred, the younger brother, is at the other end of the spectrum. He’s an aspiring boxer with undying determination and a clear potential to be a world champion. However, Alfred is not content with the glory that potentially awaits him in the boxing ring. He’s drawn, instead, to the glitz, glamour, and supposed respectability that comes with being a mob affiliate.

The cast is rounded out by numerous talented actors portraying colorful characters that contribute to the realism of this underworld environment. Robert D’Aleo gives a striking performance as a neighborhood mafia boss, who exudes an ominous presence throughout the film. His character embodies the enchanting but destructive allure of organized crime which the Pinnizzo brothers must navigate.

As the narrative evolves, the film doesn’t hold back on its portrayal of the grim side of the underworld. The lure of power and the difficulty of climbing the mob-run world are embedded in the story, showing us the depths to which human beings can fall when lured by the false promise of easy riches and respect. The fraternal bond between the two brothers tested as undertones of jealousy, power play, and the compromising of their personal values seep into their relationship.

Wannabes also smartly integrates elements of boxing, a popular trope in crime dramas. Alfred’s journey depicts the gritty realities of the boxing world, dotted with mob influences, match fixing, and the struggle to maintain integrity while aspiring to reach the top. But Alfred’s journey is not only about his aspiration to become a professional boxer. It is intertwined with his desire to establish himself in the machinations of organized crime – a path fraught with peril and risky implications.

The film is enriched with cultural aesthetics that vividly portray the life in Brooklyn neighborhoods during the 1980s. The directors' use of practical locations lends authenticity to the scenes and the on-screen events. From local gyms to Italian-American homes, everything is meticulously detailed and deeply rooted in the depicted era.

Moreover, the sound design and the musical score of Wannabes deserve special mention. They not only enhance the narrative but also play a crucial role in setting up the atmosphere of impending doom. With eerie silence during tense moments and throbbing music in the background during boxing matches, the sound complements the aesthetics and dramatic intensity of certain scenes.

In a nutshell, Wannabes is a powerful representation of delivered promises, faded dreams, and raw ambition. It’s a tale that impressively delves into the characters' moral dilemmas, their struggles with their aspirations, and portrays the visceral harshness of the world they reluctantly inhabit. It offers a grim perspective on organized crime and its impact on the lives entangled within its web.

While the film revolves around a theme that has been explored often in cinema, Wannabes offers a fresh perspective through the lens of boxing and brotherhood. Its honest representation of the tough realities of mob life makes it worth watching. From powerful performances to a thoroughly engaging story, Wannabes delivers a punch both literally and metaphorically.