Trees Lounge (1996)

TREES LOUNGE, the writing/directing debut of everyone's favorite 
indy actor Steve Buscemi, did exactly what a good movie should do 
and took me out of the theater and into the dingy dive where Long 
Island loser Tommy Basilio (Buscemi) spends his days sleeping 
(upstairs) and his nights drinking (downstairs).  We meet several 
less-than-fortunate characters whose lives are intertwined with 
Tommy's, some of whom are played by recognizable actors.  (In fact, 
the ongoing game of spot-the-star serves as a distraction, perhaps 
intended, from the otherwise unpleasant subject matter.  As does 
the movie's dark sense of humor.)  Particularly stunning is how 
true certain scenes play, such as Tommy's romantic entanglement 
with his ex-girlfriend's seventeen year-old niece.  (Rated "R"/96 
min.)

Grade: B

Copyright 1996 by Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies in MOVIE HELL: December 29, 1996