“The Birthday Cake” is a crime thriller directed by Jimmy Giannopoulos, featuring a star-studded cast including Val Kilmer, Ewan McGregor, and Shiloh Fernandez.
The film follows the story of Gio (Shiloh Fernandez), a young man who returns to his Brooklyn neighborhood to attend his family’s annual celebration of his father’s death. As he delivers a cake to the local mafia boss, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous underworld that threatens to tear his family apart.
Val Kilmer delivers a strong performance as the local mafia boss, demonstrating his ability to inhabit complex and nuanced characters. Ewan McGregor also delivers a standout performance as an enigmatic stranger who crosses paths with Gio, adding an element of mystery to the film.
Penn Badgley portrays a troubled character named “Riccardo”. His performance is described as intense and captivating, with a great ability to convey emotions that resonate with the audience. Badgley’s performance adds depth and complexity to the film, making it a must-watch for fans of his work. Overall, his performance in “The Birthday Cake” is considered to be one of his best yet and a testament to his acting abilities.
While the film boasts a tribe of attention-grabbing names and familiar faces, many are left with little material to play with and relegated to the sidelines.
The film’s pacing and structure are well-crafted, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the story. It balances moments of tension with moments of humor, creating a well-rounded and entertaining film. One of the highlights of the film is the way in which it captures the vibrancy of Brooklyn, providing a vivid and authentic backdrop for the story.