Once Upon a Time in Venice is a 2017 American crime comedy film directed by Mark Cullen in his directorial debut, who co-wrote with his brother Robb. The film stars Bruce Willis, Jason Momoa, John Goodman, Thomas Middleditch, Famke Janssen, Adam Goldberg, and Jessica Gomes. The film follows private detective Steve Ford (Willis) and his assistant (Middleditch) as they face many tasks, notably the capture of Ford's dog by a gang leader named Spyder (Momoa).
Plot Summary
Steve Ford is a down-but-not-out private investigator based in Venice Beach, California. He's good with the ladies, bad with the punches, and wild about his dog, Buddy. When local thugs steal Buddy, Ford turns to Spyder, their devious leader, and forges an unlikely alliance. With help from his best friend, Dave Phillips, Ford pulls out the big guns to retrieve Spyder's stolen cash and cocaine and save Buddy.
Themes
The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of family. It also takes a lighthearted look at the challenges of aging and the importance of finding humor in life's setbacks.
Critical Reception
Once Upon a Time in Venice was released in the United States on June 16, 2017, by RLJ Entertainment. The film was met with mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film's performances and its humor, while others criticized its plot and pacing.
Overall, Once Upon a Time in Venice is a fun and lighthearted film that will appeal to fans of Willis and crime comedies.
Cast
- Bruce Willis as Steve Ford, a Los Angeles private detective whose dog is stolen by a gang.
- Jason Momoa as Spyder, a drug lord who forces Steve to do some jobs for the safety of his dog.
- John Goodman as Dave Phillips, Steve's best friend
- Thomas Middleditch as John, an assistant in his operation to Steve
- Famke Janssen as Katey Ford, Steve's sister-in-law
- Adam Goldberg as Lew the Jew, a real estate developer
- Jessica Gomes as Nola
- Stephanie Sigman as Lupe, Spyder's girlfriend
- Wood Harris as Prince
- Ken Davitian as Yuri
- Victor Ortiz as Chuy
- Elisabeth Röhm as Anne Phillips, Dave's ex
- Adrian Martinez as Tino, the owner of a local pizza store who wants to help Steve.
- Christopher McDonald as Mr. Carter
- Ron Funches as Mocha
- Sol Rodriguez
- Kal Penn as Rajeesh, a grocery store clerk
Director: Mark Cullen
Writers: Mark Cullen, Robb Cullen
Box Office Gross: $855,888
Distributor: RLJ Entertainment
Genre: Action Adventure Comedy Crime Mystery
Release Date: June 8, 2017