'Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos' Reviews: "Wise Guys is a must-watch that will make you want to revisit Tony and his gang all over again

         On September 7, 2024, HBO premiered 'Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos', which has earned rave reviews from critics, currently holding at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. In the documentary, "Acclaimed filmmaker Alex Gibney delves deep into the psyche of renowned “Sopranos” creator and writer, David Chase, to illuminate his life and career while offering a unique window into his unparalleled work on the iconic program." Other famous faces featured in the project include Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli, Drea de Matteo, and Steven Van Zandt. But what did the critics say?

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        Verne Gay of Newsday says, "Filled with dozens of original interviews, clips, and the myriad (also fun) details that went into the making of a TV classic, this is also probably the most complete film they're ever likely to get on the subject, too."

       Owen Gleiberman of Variety notes, "Overflowing with insight; stuffed with revelatory interviews and anecdotes and archival footage; as bursting with flavor as a baked ziti; and as immersive, in its way, as the show itself." Adding, "As for James Gandolfini’s audition, he left all the actors in the dust the way that Brando left the entire studio system in the dust. When Gandolfini reads for the role of Tony, he has a volcanic intelligence, a speed of anger that guarantees that Tony, regardless of how depraved his actions, will always be the smartest, most compelling guy in the room. As for the guilt-tripping, castrating, borderline homicidal Livia Soprano, Chase explains that the character absolutely was his mother. That was a big part of what gave the show its screwily personal dimension."

       Daniel Fienberg of Hollywood Reporter writes, "I loved a lot of the stories from the available stars — Bracco, Drea de Matteo, Steven Van Zandt and Edie Falco all have standout moments — and mostly didn’t miss the countless supporting actors who are missing. The absence of Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Robert Iler is more head-scratching. I obviously know nothing about Sigler’s health or either of their availabilities. But not having those two regulars, who grew up on the set and would have had a different relationship with Chase, the rest of the cast and the general industry at large, is a large gap, probably this project’s biggest. It’s here that I could either keep working my way down my “Why didn’t Gibney include …” and “Why didn’t Gibney and Chase discuss …” checklists. Or I could leave it at this: Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos isn’t a be-all and end-all documentary, but it’s still an essential glimpse into an essential show through the eyes of its essential creative force."

       Shawn Van Horn of Collider praises the documentary, stating, "If you're a fan of The Sopranos, from its unpredictable beginning until that frustrating end, Wise Guys is a must-watch that will make you want to revisit Tony and his gang all over again." Continuing, "Some stories David Chase tells hardcore fans might already know about, while others are more detailed than you may have previously heard before. Gibney takes Chase back to the beginning of his life, not because this is going to be a documentary more about him than The Sopranos (don't worry, it's not), but because The Sopranos was formed through Chase's life. Chase is an Italian who grew up in a similar atmosphere as The Sopranos, and Tony's mother, Livia (Nancy Marchand), is modeled after his own. Listen to David Chase talk, and you get the impression that The Sopranos is all about him trying to find a way through issues with his mother, which makes the therapy session setup even more impactful."