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| Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God... Be Back by Five | |
|---|---|
 Movie Poster | |
| Directed by | Richard Schenkman |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by | Jon Cryer Richard Schenkman |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Adam Beckman |
| Edited by | Richard LaBrie |
| Music by | Midge Ure |
Production company | Evenmore Entertainment |
Release date |
|
Running time | 94 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $14,090 (US)[1] |
Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God... Be Back by Five is a 1998 American buddy road drama film directed by Richard Schenkman and written by Schenkman and Jon Cryer. It premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival.[2]
 | This article's plot summary needs to be improved. (October 2009) |
Daniel (Jon Cryer) and Stan (Rick Stear) search for a childhood friend of theirs – Richie (Rafael Báez), who they believe may be homeless and mentally ill. The film intercuts with flashbacks from their youth to their 30s. Daniel works at a jewelry store that is basically a pawn shop. Stan, who limps as a result of a childhood medical procedure, is a borderline alcoholic and gambler who fights endlessly with his longtime girlfriend, Gabby (Ione Skye).
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Jon Cryer | Daniel |
| Rick Stear | Stan |
| Rafael Báez | Richie |
| Ione Skye | Gabby |
| Frank Whaley | Skee-Ball Weasel |
| Aesha Waks | Cindy Goldclang |
| Dominic Chianese | Mickey |
| Norbert Leo Butz | Pawnbroker |
The title has its origin in a note that Cryer left for his girlfriend after going to look for a former classmate who he heard had become homeless and was living in Coney Island.[2]
Rotten Tomatoes reports that 43% of seven surveyed critics gave the film a positive review; the average rating is 5.4/10.[3] A. O. Scott of The New York Times gave it a mixed review and wrote,"Went to Coney Island never quite comes to dramatic or comic life."[4] Emanuel Levy of Variety wrote that Cryer, Baez, and Stear "give proficient performances that serve the material well, though they can't elevate it to the poignancy and depth intended by the director".[5] Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times called it a "deeply felt, engaging little film" that will stick with audiences after it ends.[6]
It won the audience award at the Austin Film Festival.[7]
