MOVIE REVIEW
The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, rated R
***
The Only Living Pickpocket in New York is a well-acted film, about the life of a pickpocket on the streets of New York City. The film was written and directed by Noah Segan.
New York pickpocket Harry Lehman, is played by Emmy winner John Turturro (Monk, Severance). Harry needs big scores if he hopes to support his disabled wife, Rosie, who can’t communicate, played by Karina Arroyave.
We see Harry walking the streets of New York City and riding the subway, separating people from their possessions. He takes what he has stolen to his pawnbroker friend Ben, played by Emmy winner Steve Buscemi (Park Bench with Steve Buscemi).
One day, Harry runs into Dylan, played by a wealthy New Jersey son of a mobster family, Will Price, who drives a 1969 classic muscle car. Harry breaks into the car, taking a gym back that includes a large amount of cash, a premium watch, and a USB drive that functions as a digital safe, the latter of which Harry doesn’t understand.
SPOILER ALERT ~ Harry takes the watch and USB drive to Ben. After Ben tries to put the USB drive in his old computer, he suggests that Harry take the USB drive to Frank, played by Kelvin Han Yee in Chinatown.
Dylan and his buddies quickly hunt down Harry at his apartment. They threaten to kill Rosie if Harry doesn’t return the USB drive to them before the day is out. Harry has until 4:00pm to return the USB drive to Dylan.
Soon to retire detective Allan Warren, played by Emmy nominee Giancarlo Esposito (Better Call Saul, The Mandalorian), is a long-time acquaintance of Harry, and their scenes together are well done. The two first met while filming Spike Lee’s film Do the Right Thing in 1989.
We see Harry showing a young pickpocket the tricks of the trade. The young pickpocket will help Harry later in the film.
After a long time’s absence, Harry visits his daughter Kelly, who is played by Emmy winner Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), who is not at all happy to see him. Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis (Everything Everywhere All At Once) shows up as Moira, the mob boss, in the film’s final scene.
Turturro turns in an excellent performance in this film where the role of a pickpocket in New York City has changed from cash to contactless payments, smartphones, and digital wallets. The musical score from Emmy nominee Gary Lionelli (O.J.: Made in America) adds a lot to the films. The film travels through all five New York City boroughs, giving the viewer of good picture of life on the streets.
The film shows Harry faithfully caring for his wife, even carrying her and her wheelchair up the stairs when their elevator was out of order. Content issues include stealing and adult language.
The film has a strong cast, led by the performance of Turturro.
