Trouble in Yonkers

This movie is an excellent screen adaptation of a great play. Instead of being hokey or sentimental, the story provides a candid portrayal of a family in crisis, as each family member is forced to deal with issues that have long repressed. Essentially, the story centers around the relationship between an overbearing mother, performed magnificently by Irene Worth, and her confused daughter, played by Mercedes Ruehl. Ms. Ruehl's performance is a tour-de-force. She completely dominates this movie. The climactic scene between the mother and daughter is both poignant and powerful, and raises this movie to the level of great cinema and drama. Richard Dreyfuss also gives a strong performance as the brother with the bravado but also with a heart. This movie should be a must-watch for anyone who likes screen adaptations of plays and for people in general who like strong drama.

After watching this movie, I became interested in finding out about the young actor Brad Stoll who played the role of Jay. How sadenned I was to learn that he died of cancer. His talent was very promising, and it is tragic that his career was cut short at such a young age. Nonetheless, this film serves as a testimony to his fine ability, and I never tire of watching it. The performances are excellent across the board, and the story well written. I give it my highest recommendation.

Neil Simon finally does some serious drama in this better than best movie. Although the movie is based mainly around the two boys, I believe the moral is how one individuals power can affect the lives and dreams of everyone else.

Although the movies ending was not a very happy one, it was nice to take a break from the routine "and they lived happily ever after" sort of ending. It's nice to have a not so nice ending in which most real life stories have.

The movie was very well planned out and the 1940's theme was very well detailed. Although the movie was nowhere near as good as the play, I still believe it's cast deserves a high rating.

"Lost In Yonkers" was a nice blend of comedy and drama. Until watching it for the second time, I didn't even recognize Richard Dreyfuss to be the 'Uncle Louie' character, but I did know him by his voice. He played QUITE a character: An extremely stylish, offbeat criminal with a sense of humor.

The main character, 'Bella', was 'slow', according to her domineering mother. She was a delightful young woman who was loved by her nephews, siblings, and all those who knew her. Bella was ready to have a life on her own--the problem being--her Mom.

I really enjoyed this nostalgic, WWII era, movie. I recommend it to audiences of all ages.

The movie begins with Eddie and his sons Jay and Arty making a hot automobile ride to see the boys' grandmother in Yonkers during World War II (no air conditioning, except in theaters). The boys are told to wait in the grandmother's candy store until their grandmother is ready to see them. At the store, the boys meet their crazy Aunt Bella. Then they come upstairs and find out the real reason for their visit: their father has to take a job down South to pay off their debts, and since their mother has just died, he has no choice but to leave the boys with their grandmother, who doesn't like kids to begin with.

The boys have to make the best of the situation, and of course their grandmother is very strict and expects them to work in the candy store. Meanwhile, Bella has a boyfriend Johnny, a movie usher who cannot serve in the military because, like Bella, he is disabled. They want to open a restaurant and Bella's mother has the money hidden somewhere. The boys try to find the money and manage to get in trouble for that and other things. Later, their Uncle Louie shows up and shows the boys a good time, though the boys believe he is a gangster, and there are some bad guys after him for whatever reason. Jay wants to work with his uncle, even if he is dishonest in what he does.

Mercedes Ruehl was the standout performer, showing a character obviously quite disturbed at first but almost 'normal' later, especially when she confronts the mother who has mistreated her all these years. Irene Worth made a stern grandmother who only rarely showed a tender side, and even after a bitter argument with Bella, she was only subdued but not loving (we do learn some of what made her this way). Richard Dreyfuss came across quite nicely too, and I thought all the major actors played their characters well. The situation just wasn't one I enjoyed watching that much.

One character I was glad to see only a few times was Aunt Gert, who had a breathing problem that grew tiring quickly.

This movie was not easy to watch, though it could be funny at times. Based on a Neil Simon play, it should have been a mix of comedy and poignant drama, and sometimes that mix works. For me it didn't, and about two-thirds of the way through, the movie went completely off track and never really recovered. I can see some people liking this type of movie, but it wasn't really for me.