29th Street

I just happened to catch this movie on cable last night and watched it all the way through (until 3AM) as it held my attention all the way. 29th street is entertaining and funny. Being Italian I could really relate as I saw many of my own family members portrayed quite accurately by the actors. Of course, Danny Aiello is the best as always and a joy to watch. He can knock on my door anytime! I wish we could see more movies starring this fine actor. The lottery ticket theme held this movie together quite nicely with a few twists and turns. We all share this dream...to win the lottery... which makes the viewer eager to see the outcome. I found myself wishing I were the one holding that ticket and living out that dream of being "the big winner". The love between the father and son created a beautiful ending to a charming movie.

It's 1976. Frank Pesce Jr (Anthony LaPaglia) is announced the winner of the first New York State lottery worth $6.2 million. Instead of being happy, he angrily pelts the church with snowballs. He gets taken to the police station where he explains his story to Sgt. Tartaglia (Robert Forster). He has always been lucky. On the other hand, his father Frank Sr (Danny Aiello) is always unlucky. It's got a lot of the Italian stereotypes in a meandering boring story. It's suppose to be quirky fun but none of it makes me laugh. LaPaglia is more annoying than charming. The last half hour turns into something more interesting. It would help the movie to have a more compelling family instead of this standard bickering clan. I had a tough time feeling the love until the last bit.

I have always liked this film. Imagine my surprise when I found out my wifes uncle is in the movie! He plays Irv the pawnbroker. I had seen it a bunch of times before I found this out. He is the guy who sells Frank the lottery ticket. There are some great scenes in this film. The one where they are going to pick up the insurance check for their car that was "stolen" Ha! Ha!. is a classic. I have always liked Danny Aiello. He is one of the great Character actors of all time. And Anthoney Lapaglia is a solid actor also. The real Frank Pesce is also in the movie. You might recognize him from Beverly hills Cop with Eddie Murphy and other films of the like.

One of the reasons I was so excited about this site when I first found it was the fact that the top ten movies and my top ten were so close. I continually find that the users here are very discerning (at least to what I think is good). This said, I can not believe so few of you have seen this film. If you need a finely crafted, well acted rental some night, you probably can't do better. Danny Aiello is superbly cast, and Anthony Lapaglia has rarely been better. See this film!!!!!!!!

A great cinematic work that delights every time. The characters are simply great and perfect for a combination of drama and humor. It's always great to see so many fun and striking characters in one movie. Through humor and emotion we see one family story and all that makes a family, its ups and downs, love, connection and loyalty. We see what all people are willing to do to help their family and that in the end family is most important. The actors here really did their best, they portrayed these characters so brilliantly that they are simply mesmerizing. At one point you laugh, at another you feel the burden of deep emotions that the characters go through, and that is a sign that the film is great when it manages to convey emotions so well to the viewer. The direction is great, the music matches the film, and the cast is perfect for the characters they portray. Great cinematic experience with an unforgettable ending.