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Rating:  -
I have never seen a movie that was able to combine suspense, drama and comedy the way 29th street did. This is the only movie that I would watch over and over again.
I've always told people about this movie, and no one has ever heard of it. I've been searching for years to buy it on dvd. I was so happy to find out it will be re-released on dvd this march 8th.
This is the best movie I had ever seen.
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"29th Street" is a terrific movie! This movie has a little of everything in it. Although there is an underlying Christmas theme to this film, it is enjoyable to watch any time of the year. A combination of "It's A Wonderful Life" and "Goodfellas", this movie is based on a true story of Frank Pesce (played by Anthony LaPaglia), the first winner of the New York State Lottery. The story back tracks through his life to explain how he has been lucky his whole life, which includes some hillarious scenes. I have watched "29th Street" over and over again and never tire of it. If you want to be entertained and watch a movie that will leave you with a good feeling, this is the film for you! By the way, the real Frank Pesce is in the movie...he plays the Brother Vito, who is a police officer.
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Been watching this one for years and it never gets old. I must have seen this film at least 50 to 100 times. Also been waiting years for a DVD. If they ever release it I'll kill somebody if it's in pan and scan. I really wanna see this film the way it was intended to be seen. I have a feeling that this film was also wonderfully shot. Everything else about it is wonderful.
It's a real shame that this movie didn't get the attention it deserved. Every actor in this film is at their best. It's such a shame.
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This movie should be a regular holiday classic right along side "It's a Wonderful Life". I love the colorful language and if you see it on normal TV, you're not getting the true movie.
This movie is so good, like others have said, it's got a little bit of everything. If you have an ounce of italian blood in you and grew up anywhere in the Northeast and you have not seen this movie, you're missing out. What upsets me is that you can't find it to rent in most Blockbusters/video stores anymore and it's very hard to find on VHS for purchase. Hopefully they will make this in DVD format someday soon. If you get the chance to see it, you won't be disappointed.
Rating: -
Where does one begin on such an extraordinary movie? 29th Street has everything; comedy, drama, fantastic acting, memorable characters, Christmas, the mafia and the most amazing part is that not one iota of it is forced or crammed inside to attract a certain demographic. Every character and scenario plays off each other in a seemingly natural manner and the end result is a movie that has you laughing throughout and has you at near tears towards the end. It's the film equivalent of watching a real family deal with their problems and triumphs.
First, the story revolves around Frank Pesce, an ambitious kid with huge dreams of being known for something remarkable. The problem lies in his lack of wanting to make it happen and more or less wanting it to fall in his lap. He basically skates though life unscathed after a series of very near misses, ranging from his getting stabbed in a bad neighborhood actually being the event that saves his life from a deadly disease to butting heads with a dangerous mafia don in an attempt to save his unlucky father's neck from being put on the chopping block. Amidst all of the chaos that he seems to shrug his shoulders at, he purchases a lone lottery ticket for the first New York State Lottery along with a cheap pair of binoculars from a second hand store so he can cash a measly check and ends up becoming one of the finalists while his unlucky father collects them for months and comes up short.
The acting is comprised of stars that get little by way of mainstream recognition but any true film fan will profess their undying admiration for them. The unambitious kid turned umbitious adult is masterfully portrayed by Anthony LaPaglia who has to this day become a major star but was more than deserving after this film. Danny Aiello, who already tops my list of greatest actors to ever walk the Earth, turns out my absolute favorite character ever in Frank Pesce Sr., the unlucky father who; despite being overworked and underpaid, remains optimistic that one day, everything will work out for the best. His simple wants and needs in life is a stark contrast to the overindulgent world we live in and his range of emotion is as powerful and believable as they are unmatched by the majority of Hollywood's hacks that get much more underserved recognition. Lani Kazaan is the ying to Danny Aiello's yang as Mrs. Pesce and she has the frustrated mother who outwardly protests being the homemaker on the surface but underneath it all, loves her husband and family more than enough to play that role and do it well down path. Like the rest of the main characters, her character feels so real that you want to reach into your television and touch them.
Being not-quite-a-drama and not-quite-a-comedy without a lot of physical "action", the dialogue is left to really move the story forward and the absolutely flawless script flows from each character's mouth so effortlessly that it's almost nauseating that this film never won an Academy Award. Never before have I watched a film not directed by Martin Scorsese have I been floored how the words add so much color to the overall piece. You cannot help but laugh at the frankness of evrey word spoken, especially if you have an ounce of Italian blood in you. It's almost like being at a family reunion.
If you EVER get the opportunity to rent or buy this movie, do so. Calling it a mesh of "Goodfellas" and "It's A Wonderful Life" hits the nail on the head with deadly accuracy. You will feel equally at home watching this during an at-home mafia movie fest or after unwrapping gifts on Christmas.
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