User Reviews

What a wonderful surprise "BUDDY' was. The filmmaker managed to evoke all sorts of emotions about this small-town, enigmatic mayor who, despite himself,turned the city of Rhode Island from a corrupt operation into a beautiful blueprint for a great American city.

BUDDY is one of those films you that definitely stays with you --many discussions were had about whether BUDDY CIANCI was a "good" guy or a "bad" guy masquerading as a do-go-oder. You are never quite sure if you're rooting for Cianci or for the government who is trying to catch him. It was well-written, funny at times; tragic at others, and the archive footage of Cianci was excellent. Also, the filmmaker's access to Cianci just prior to his conviction was really, really great. A truly entertaining, interesting documentary.

A comprehensive look at Vincent A. Cianci, Jr. -- known to all in the Providence area as simply "BUDDY". In my four decades as a Rhode Islander, I have observed the ups and downs of this charismatic mayor. Ms. Arnold captures his essence and makes a fair film where it would have been easy to be judgmental. She rounds up 'all the usual suspects' that make our small state interesting -- making an entertaining portrait of Buddy, our most colorful character.

Unlike the A&E "City Confidential" (2004), a crime documentary which also dealt with the 'Plunder Dome' scandal fairly, Arnold's film delves into Cianci's persona, showing his Jekyll/Hyde history as mayor. Surviving his early years through raw intelligence and wit, he later made several errors that cost him dearly. Former Rhode Islander, James Woods does an excellent job as narrator in tying the film together. I remain skeptical of Buddy's guilt (he still maintains his innocence) -- I suppose only he and his chief aid, Frank Corrente, really know the whole truth. Even though 'All politics is local', this film should be of interest to all Americans as an absorbing case study.

A wonderful film!

While most modern political documentaries have an agenda, this film does not. Instead it shows the true shades of gray to be found in any relationship between a politician and those he works with.

Is Buddy a crook, a hero, an honest enabler of crooked men? This film had me answering "all of the above", and it did so without trying to force that answer upon me. Whatever you may know, or not know, of Buddy Cianci or his politics you will find him, and this film, captivating.

James Woods narration is very unforced, and does not attempt to sway you one way or the other - and the level of access that Buddy granted the director is surprising. While some may find it a weakness for a film to not take a clear position, the point of this film seems to be that there is no clear position to take - and that is what makes it all the more engrossing.

Cherry Arnold has done an excellent job of capturing the many conflicting sides of one of the truly historical figures in Providence's political history.Truly deserving of a 10 rating and must see for those who are interested in politics and urban government.Buddy Cianci was a colorful and energetic Mayor who consistently promoted the City of Providence. He was known for attending every event possible . It was said that he'd go to the opening of an envelope.At the same time there were always rumors of corruption or at a minimum heavy-handed politics. He was convicted of a crime, reelected and ultimately convicted again. He returns to providence this summer having served his sentence. It is anticipated that he will resume a career as a very popular and controversial radio talk show host.

This movie was simply excellent. It firmly follows the political legacy of Cianci from its genesis to its supposed end. Facts are presented plainly, without heavy-handed interpretation. The amount of primary footage from the Cianci era used in the film is astounding. Interviewees include aids to Cianci, executives of the Providence Phoenix, fellow politicos, the FBI agent who investigated Cianci, University of Rhode Island and Brown University professors, and common citizens of Providence. The documentary is extremely informative (though probably less so if you are a life-long Rhode Islander) and entirely entertaining, without looking like a rock concert (like Fahrenheit 9/11.) I'm a fan of Cinci myself, however I do have to say that the movie was very kind to him. The worst impression one gets about him is that he was lonely and sad. He could have been portrayed much worse. All said and done, this movie is well worth the kazillion dollars to go see it at Providence Place.