City Island

City Island centers on the Rizzo family who keep to themselves and rarely share their real hopes or jobs. Vince, the father, is a corrections officer who secretly longs to act on stage. His wife Joyce plays peacemaker and keeps up appearances, while their two sons chase dreams that never quite match the image they project. Into this carefully managed balance comes a young ex convict who is brought home by Vince, turning the household upside down as old habits and pretenses begin to crack. The film blends humor with tenderness about family duty.

Directed by Raymond De Felitta, City Island is based on an original screenplay anchored by a vivid New York setting. The ensemble features Andy Garcia and Julianna Margulies, with Emily Mortimer and Ezra Miller strengthening the family dynamics and giving the performances a cool, natural rhythm.

Box office results reflect a modest indie run. City Island grossed about 7.88 million worldwide on a 6 million budget, signaling a careful, audience friendly release that benefited from word of mouth and festival exposure, as well as critical notices.

This film has a quiet but lasting cultural footprint among fans of intimate urban dramas. Its memorable ensemble performances and authentic sense of place helped it stand out among late 2000s New York stories, contributing to a style of accessible, family oriented indie cinema that many viewers still cite.

Critics welcomed City Island for its warmth, humor, and honesty about family life. The story examines identity, loyalty, and the tension between private dreams and public roles, without getting preachy. The film is praised for balancing laughs with emotional honesty and strong performances, especially from Garcia and Margulies.