Entertaining, succesful on a taboo theme of power broker dealing

Reviewed by Pork Chop, 2007-06-24

THE LEARNING CURVE (2001) is a surprise success considering its
lack of big box office stars. Let this not deter anyone from
renting this DVD, as it packs plenty of entertainment and then
some.

The story will often appeal on the visual and intellectual aspects,
although there is a fair bit of action, too.

The cast does a splendid and convincing job over the entire 90
mins, comprising Monet Mazur as the bored daughter of a richman
(reminiscent of Darryl Hanna), Vincent Ventresca (somewhat of a
Kyle MacLachlan clone), Carmine Giovinazzo as the street smart guy
and Steve Bauer as the "tough enforcer" of the organization.
Mazur's role is that of a woman who is effective, efficient, fast,
confident, experienced in engaging and seducing men of all kinds,
and them playing them for their wealth, for the illusion of
romance and or of a personal relationship.

The visual aspects are excellent, although the release is not a
wide-screen. There's plenty of exciting, energetic moments,
including race car dare-devil behavior on the highway, near the
edges of a cliff, and more bringing an upbeat, positive feeling in
the early minutes.

The soundtrack is talented and tasteful, as are the visuals, in
capturing a variety of moods (melancholy, joy, ecstasy,
irresponsability, remorse, recklessness, etc) on screen, such as in
the darker outdoor night or indoor club scenes.

Skillfully, the move wastes no time in showing the evolution of
Mazur and Giovinazzo, from 2 youngsters ridding themselves of their
boredom by running small-time con jobs, grifts by setting up their
marks for the scores, that drives their libidos in an ever
increasing crescendo. Nothing is off their limits, from insurance
claims for a simulated accident, to sex entrapment, arson, etc.

This continues until their talent brings them to the big leagues,
to the attention of Ventresca who's a bigger player, wishing to
leverage their talent for his major real estate deal.

The developer plans to convert a run down and neglected part of the
city into a new project, that many oppose, including the municipal
politicans and some small stores.

The solution lies in power-brokering a deal with the right people,
using the right tactics, including blackmail over sex, offering
gifts and success of the right kind to the right people, including
cash.

For those familiar with sustainable development, use and misuse of
new eminent domain laws to override the 5th Amendment of the US
Constitution, stating "private property shall not be taken for
public use, without just compensation", the payoffs and
powerbrokering occurring sound realistic.

The action, chases, gun fire fights are good enough to shake the
audience's socks off.

A funny quip: " I sure you're too young for a lot of things, but I
bet that sure doesn't stop you! It's the grease that keeps the
gears going."

The moral lesson is present, as Mazur makes the choice of resisting
a pure role of prostitute in the deal, limiting herself to her
hitherto comfortable role of fleecer. Some personal feelings also
surface, questioning her mind also about what is right and wrong.

An intriguing question is left with the audience, in terms of
Mazur's prolonged anguish ... is the reaction of the character
real, when she had scored so many marks on so many cons, for so
long a time, with contemptible tactics and no remorse all that time?

Carmine Giovinazzo & Monet Mazur: Modern day Bonnie & Clyde

Reviewed by Kristina M. Jaworski, 2007-03-08

I loved this movie. Carmine & Monet as lovers turned modern day con-artists, get bribed into working for a music exec. & end up in trouble with the FBI. I originally bought this film because I'm a Carmine Giovinazzo fan, & I ended up loving it.

Fun Ride

Reviewed by Anonymous, 2003-07-25

I LOVED this film and found it thoroughly enjoyable. It drew me in and kept me watching. To see these characters go through the changes they go through was truly amazing to me. Monet Mazur was wonderful as well as geogeous and Carmine Giovinazzo did a great job along with Vincent Ventresca who plays his character to the edge. I thought the film was well cast, the acting was superb, the locations were amazing and the story original. Just sit back and enjoy the ride because this one is worth the trip. I give it thumbs up. If you can't enjoy this film you're looking waaay to deep. Relax and enjoy.

Fun Ride

Reviewed by Anonymous, 2003-07-25

I LOVED this film and found it thoroughly enjoyable. It drew me in and kept me watching. To see these characters go through the changes they go through was truly amazing to me. Monet Mazur was wonderful as well as geogeous and Carmine Giovinazzo did a great job along with Vincent Ventresca who plays his character to the edge. I thought the film was well cast, the acting was superb, the locations were amazing and the story original. Just sit back and enjoy the ride because this one is worth the trip. I give it thumbs up. If you can't enjoy this film you're looking waaay to deep. Relax and enjoy.

Criminally Stupid

Reviewed by Anonymous, 2003-02-28

Stupid criminals hook up with stupid record exec who thinks he can use them to further his evil plans to create a mall er entertainment center by ousting a nice old guy from his variety store. Due to a bribe sting, some very stupid FBI agents instigate a shoot out in a crowed club, causing the death of untold innocent bystanders. I ve learned one thing from all of this: The FBI REALLY HATES SHOPPING MALLS.

The true break out in this film is Vincent Ventresca. He has the ability to take any role make it fascinating. He s intelligent thought in motion. I d watch this guy read the phone book. Five Stars for Ventresca!