Spend a night with the Golden Eagle

Night at the Golden Eagle is a one-day snapshot of life in a rundown doss-house on the wrong side of the tracks in downtown Los Angeles.

The hotel, like much of the neighbourhood, is awash with drugs, prostitution and drunks, and when you add in a generous helping of murder and a pinch of greed, you’ve got a night to remember.

Tommy (Donnie Montemarano) and Mick (Vinnie Argiro) are two elderly crooks and life-long friends from Brooklyn.

Tommy has just been released from prison and Mick has brought him back to the hotel to convince him to give up crime and go straight.

Mick has saved up enough money for them to start a new life as blackjack dealers in Vegas.

After seven years in prison Tommy has more pressing needs and is eager for a little female companionship. He hooks up with the willing Amber (Natasha Lyonne) who is part of a prostitution ring run by Rodan (Vinnie Jones).

Things get a little out of hand and the two aging gangsters’ well-laid plans go out the window.

The film’s assorted cast provides an interesting backdrop to the main attraction, the engaging chemistry between Argiro and Montemarano, two experienced actors who have hit the big-time late in life.

Even the menacing Vinnie Jones is kept in the shadows.

Drama, 15. ***