Sunday, May 18, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

COLUMN: Norm!

'Stuey' cast includes many familiar local faces

Las Vegan Steve Schirripa, best known for his work in "The Sopranos," appears in the new film "Stuey." COURTESY PHOTO

Las Vegans will recognize many familiar local faces at the screening of "Stuey" on June 17 at the CineVegas Film Festival.

There's Steve Schirripa, former Riviera entertainment director who became a regular on "The Sopranos"; boxing expert and sports talk show host Al Bernstein; local resident Pat Morita, of "Karate Kid" fame; and numerous local actors.

The independent film stars Michael Imperioli of "The Sopranos" as Stu "The Kid" Ungar, who won the World Series of Poker three times before losing the battle with his demons.

A week ago, the film won the Audience Award at the Nashville Film Festival for best feature film. Earlier, it was invited to the film festival in Taos, N.M., one of the top 10 in the country.

"Everybody's liked it," said director Tony Vidmer, who shot the film in 22 days last year at Binion's Horseshoe, site of the World Series of Poker.

Vidmer saluted producer F.A. Miller for making "Stuey" happen. "He's the man. We couldn't have done it without all the people of Las Vegas, particularly F.A., who's worked here for a long time. And casting director Ray Favero was instrumental in not only getting the regular cast but the top people.

"He got the script to Steve Schirripa, and I have to thank Steve for handing it over to Michael and getting him into the film."

Other locals with speaking roles: Anthony Di Maria, Joe LaDue, Andy Jarrell, Nate Bynum, Johnny Dark, Ransom Gates, Diana Saunders, William Allison, William Patrick Johnson, Schatar White, Cynthia Brimhall, John Lombardo, Shaina Krashin, Sam Phaphol, Eric Randall and Vanessa Rene Gall.

Meg takes beating

Meg Ryan is already taking jabs, from her own camp no less, for her role as a tough-cookie boxing manager.

Definitely not in her corner is Jonathan Pillet, executive producer of "Against the Ropes." Some scenes were shot here for the film, which is to be released in November.

"She is so rude in person; she was even rude to my kids when they met, and I am the executive producer of the film! She's just very cold with everyone, and it comes across on film," Pillet told New York curator Baird Jones.

Ryan portrays Detroit boxing legend Jackie Kallan, whose stable of champions included Tommy Hearns.

"Meg likes to pretend to herself that she is seeking out all these dramatic roles as a career choice to balance off the cutesy parts she played in the past, but the truth is at 42 no one wants to see her in the girlie roles anymore," said Pillet.

"But when she does dramatic roles, all that coldness she has in her really comes out. "

Pillet said he wanted Lorraine Bracco of "The Sopranos" for the role, "then we compromised with Sandra Bullock." But an agreement couldn't be reached with Bullock on a director, and she walked.

"Then Meg Ryan decided this was going to be her chance to be Julia Roberts with an Erin Brockovich real-life battling underdog story. Meg sees this finally as her chance to prove Meg Ryan can carry a dramatic role, which she has never even come close to doing before," Pillet said.

The Scene and Heard

They'll be hoisting martinis Tuesday at the one-year anniversary of "The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean" at the Greek Isles. ...

This stirring moment at Cascata, site of the Michael Douglas & Friends celebrity golf tournament on Friday: As Douglas was taping a segment with "Good Morning America," coyotes started howling in the hills. The Park Place high-roller course, by the way, drew raves from everyone, especially for the stream that goes through the clubhouse.

Sightings

NFL Hall of Famers Joe Namath and Paul Hornung, among a party of eight at Fellini's on Tuesday. ... Countess Aurora Ferri of Italy's Tuscany region and her husband, Mike Manning, backstage to see Andre-Philippe Gagnon after his show at Paris Las Vegas.

The Punch Line

"Ask your child what he wants for dinner only if he's buying." -- Fran Lebowitz

Reach Norm Clarke at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com.