It's the summer of 1977 and the city of New York is being rocked by a series of murders by the so-called 'Son of Sam'. The story focuses not on the killer, but rather on a small group of people in one neighbourhood. Vinny (Leguizamo) is married to Dionna (Sorvino), although sometimes he is less than perfectly faithful. And Ritchie (Brody) is the local kid living the latest fad, with a secret double life.
The movie doesn't so much involve the main characters in the plot so much as follow their lives as the fear grips the city, and watches how this changes them. As such, it's probably not a film everyone will enjoy. It's very character driven, and the performances are good, although somewhat spotty in parts. As with all of Spike Lee's films, there is an important social message in the film, about how fear can drive people to find scapegoats, and how often the outcasts are the ones who get picked for the role. If you don't mind being beaten over the head with this theme, you'll probably enjoy the film. Those of you who aren't so at home with this kind of social preaching may want to stay at home.