Yonkers Joe

This movie is killer. Tom Guiry is spot-on, playing Chazz Palminteri's (Yonkers Joe) mentally challenged son, Joey. The two have been separated for years (With Guiry in a group home), yet he still loves his father all the same. Eventually, Guiry begins acting out at the home, with an explosive temper, and he is forced to move back in with his father. I like movies featuring with big heist themes, as well as films where the "good guys" win. In this film, Yonkers Joe has made a career of swindling people at the card table, and he just needs to roll a few more trick plays to afford a better future for his son. The acting in Yonkers Joe is tremendous, with Tom Guiry easily pulling off his role. His character alone makes the film, and the director doesn't sugarcoat Joey's genetic disease in any way. It's an emotional ride, with a great ending, and I would recommend it to anyone.

YONKERS JOE is a great addition to the tradition of independent New York centered films. Twelve years in the making, its story of a mid-level professional gambler and his adult son with Down's Syndrome was compelling and skillfully played. Chaz Palminteri keeps your attention throughout the story, and Tom Guiry (The Black Donnellys)deserves recognition for a convincing performance of a young man coping with Down's.

The story covers familiar ground with lots of nice twists and details. Technically very clever on the skills required to take on a modern casino security system. Believable from beginning to end.

Support this film when it comes out for release. Wonderful performances by Palminteri, Christine Lahti as his patient and clever love interest and a solid character cast including Michael Lerner,Roma Maffia, Arthur Nascarella and many familiar TV series faces. Any father/son should see this movie. You will laugh and learn, and be wiser at the end.

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This movie's plot revolves around a small gang as it prepares itself to take on the Casinos. As a counterpoint, a simultaneous plot evolves involving a very difficult father-son relationship. The two interwoven plots, like a piece of contrapuntal baroque music, result in a rich textured film that never bogs down.

Where "Ocean's 11" may epitomize the star-studded Hollywood con movie and "21", the real-life story adaptation, this wonderful Indie film carves out it's own territory. Believable, informative and very enjoyable.

A fine and successful effort by all involved, with special kudos to Tom Guiry for a truly remarkable performance.

I watch about 30 movies a week. And this is the one movie in the last year that I have felt compelled to rave about.

Yonkers Joe is expert in every way. From the procedural con-man story to the heartfelt family tale. There is not a wrong note in the entire script.

I generally hate films that use developmentally impaired characters -- they are usually a storytelling shortcut to the pulling of heartstrings. In this film, I expected only that the need to pay for an expensive group home for his son would be the incentive for Chazz Palminteri to take an extraordinary risk. But writer-director Robert Celestino proved me wrong. Way wrong.

A very satisfying film on all levels, with great performances, smart economical dialog, clever plot maneuvers, and not a saccharin moment in the entire flick.

This is a fantastic film. The performances are engaging and Oscar-caliber. The characters express so much more through their expressions than words ever could.

While this was made independently, it doesn't give the look or the feel of an independent movie. Every performance is spellbinding, particularly those of Christine Lahti, Chazz Palminteri, and Thomas Guiry.

The supporting cast is outstanding as well. Every character has a purpose and plays it to perfection. The relationship between father and son is examined in a different, yet honest environment.

I hope everybody will search out this movie. It is truly phenomenal.