The tough, gritty and emotional film of "The Nail: The Story of Joey Nardone" gave its second viewing at the Philly Film Festival today. I was there, with my sister, her husband and a friend named Cheryl BECAUSE of some notice somewhere that this independent film needed volunteers last summer.
And, being the friendly soul that I am who enjoys seeing the behind-the-scenes movie life, I said yes to a hot day in a hot, closed-for-business hospital building dressed in scrubs like a nurse to be in this movie with Tony Luke, Jr. and Leo Rossi, directed by James Quatrocci. Did I know any of these people? No, but I loved meeting them because each and every one of them was incredibly personable, fun-loving and great to be around. The scene was serious that day so there wasn't too much joking around but it was fascinating nonetheless.
The movie itself was pretty good. Tony Luke Jr. did a great job. The bar room scene that landed him in jail went a little too fast. It flashed so quickly that I am going to have to see it again to see how the person died that he was sent to jail for. (I was too busy looking for my friend Cindy in the background!)
Afterward, Cheryl and I went over to Tony Luke's where we enjoyed authentic Philly sandwiches, me a cheesesteak and her a meatball sandwich. Awesome! That's a trip I would highly recommend if you ever come to town.
Without further ado, I bring you the trailer of the film about a boxer who gets out of jail after 8 years and helps a boy and his mother get away from an abusive father. I was encouraged at the end of the film when James, Tony, Leo and his wife stood in front and talked about the attention they want this film to bring to organizations working to resolve domestic abuse. I thought that was great. The other day I saw Reese Witherspoon on the TV promoting the work of the AVON foundation for the same cause. It is wonderful to see the attention brought to this issue which affects so many women who live in silent fear and suffering.
See the trailer below:
In Philadelphia with Tony Luke Jr at The Nail screening
Chery, James Quatrocci, ME, Cindy, Paul ME, Tony Luke Jr., Cheryl 
ME, Leo Rossi, Cheryl
