Watch Double Parked

Double Parked is a 2000 drama film that portrays the struggles of a single mother and her son in the bustling city of New York. Directed by Stephen Kinsella, the movie stars Callie Thorne as Rita, a twenty-something woman who works two jobs to make ends meet, and Noah Fleiss as her teenage son, Ray. The film also features Bill Sage as Mr. G, Rita's employer.

The movie opens with Rita working at The Snake Pit, a gritty diner where she is subjected to unwanted harassment from the owner and customers. She then rushes to her second job, a parking lot attendant, where she meets Mr. G for the first time. Mr. G is intrigued by Rita's fearless attitude and offers her a job as his personal assistant.

Rita is initially skeptical about working for Mr. G, but when he shows her the ropes, she realizes that it might be her ticket out of poverty. However, her job comes at the expense of her relationship with her son, who feels neglected and ignored in the process. Ray is forced to navigate the perils of life in New York City on his own, dealing with bullies and trying to keep his grades up in school.

As Rita becomes more engrossed in her new job, Ray starts to rely on a young drug dealer named Josh (played by Rufus Read), who seems to provide the emotional support that Rita cannot offer. Josh introduces Ray to his older sister, Julia (played by Alyssa Milano), with whom Ray starts a fledgling romance.

The film tackles several themes, including poverty, single parenthood, and the harsh realities of urban life. It portrays the struggles of a woman who is determined to make a better life for herself and her son, even if it means sacrificing the little time they have together. Meanwhile, Ray is shown trying to reconcile his adolescent desires with his responsibilities as a young adult.

The performances in the movie are top-notch. Callie Thorne delivers a nuanced portrayal of a woman who is both hardworking and vulnerable, and Noah Fleiss brings depth to a character who could easily have come off as whiny or bratty. Bill Sage's portrayal of Mr. G is both enigmatic and sympathetic, keeping the audience guessing about his true intentions until the very end.

The film's pacing is steady, and the screenplay is refreshingly authentic, with sharp and witty dialogue that captures the essence of New York City. The movie also benefits from its beautiful cinematography, which highlights the city's rich cultural tapestry and gritty underbelly.

Overall, Double Parked is a poignant portrayal of the struggles of working-class families in the urban landscape. It is a beautiful and moving film that demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.