Loosies

Movie review by Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media
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Common Sense says

age 15+

Violent redemption tale has mature themes, profanity.

PG-13 2012 88 minutes
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Kids say

age 13+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Loosies is a grown-up romance set in a world of "cops and robbers," which involves petty crime, larceny, and con artists, with some brutal fights. Characters are punched, kicked, pummeled, and threatened with a knife; a policeman beats up a prisoner. It's also a redemption story, dependent upon the leading character's transformation from amoral loser to valuable human being. A lengthy love scene includes kissing, foreplay, partial nudity, and actual sexual activity in a series of artful shots. There is a mention of the possibility of abortion. Swearing and obscenities are frequent ("s--t," "bastard," "asshole," "knocked up," and "slut," among others, and one use of "f--k"). Drinking takes place in bars and at home; some characters smoke.

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What's the Story?

Bobby's living a "no-win" life in LOOSIES. Forced to pay off his father's massive gambling debts and support his mother, Bobby (Peter Facinelli) is a skillful pickpocket. He's pushed his luck a little too far by stealing a policeman's badge, using it, and angering a very stubborn cop (Michael Madsen), who's now on Bobby's trail. When he's approached by a beautiful woman with whom he had a vaguely remembered one-night stand, Bobby is stunned to learn that Lucy (Jaimie Alexander) is pregnant with his child. Complicating his life even further, his mother leaves him to live with a feisty jeweler who has no patience for Bobby's amorality. As events and strong-willed characters converge on Bobby, he's forced to make the radical choices that will ultimately determine his fate.

Is It Any Good?

Not quite good enough to recommend, this is a sometimes charming, sometimes improbable story. It has a likable lead character, some intriguing featured actors (such as Joe Pantoliano and Vincent Gallo), and some clever mischief-making in an otherwise contrived plot. The love story is predictable and underdeveloped as well, but viewers will still root for Bobby and Lucy to find their magic together. The title? Another contrivance: A "loosie" is a single cigarette to be borrowed or taken, and "Lucy" is the heroine's name. Peter Facinelli, known for his supporting role in the Twilight series and television's Nurse Jackie, wrote the script. It's clear he's hoping to make it to leading-man status with this movie. Close, but not this time. For mature teens and up only.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why "redemption" movies are so popular. Why is it important to believe that people can change? Have you seen evidence of this in your own life?

  • It's often difficult to combine a love story with a mystery or thriller. Do you think this attempt was successful? Why, or why not?

  • Who do you think is the intended audience of this film?

Movie Details

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