29th Street

When I first saw this film many years ago I had no idea it was based on the true story of how Frank Pesce Jr. won the lottery, so it came as a bit of a surprise when I bought the DVD a couple of weeks ago and found out that it was. It's a lovely, funny, poignant film about the relationship between father(Aiello) and youngest offspring (LaPaglia). As a seasoned film actor Aiello puts in a solid performance. More interestingly LaPaglia who must have been approx 34 and hadn't yet made those many films up to this point is staggeringly good at portraying Frank Pesce from age 16 to mid twenties. This is definitely one of his classier performances. I particularly liked the running joke about the father's pizzas. Also of interest is that the real life Frank Pesce plays his own older brother!! All in all the film is a little miracle.

In many scenes, it reminds me "Death of salesman". In other, the movies of Martin Scorsese. In fact, it is a gem. About family, choices, options, with the perfect end reminding "It s a wonderful life". The best part - the performances. The atmosphere. New York and its characters. And something who could be defined, in strange sense, as magic. Short, a real great film.

My whole family from young to old have LOVED this movie. It is always a tradition in our household to watch 29th street at Christmas time, although it can be watched at any time of year. I just love it when people tell me they haven't seen this movie, and I get to show it to them...because it has the best ending ever! Just thinking about it now, gives me goosebumps. It is one of the best "feel good" endings I have ever seen. Don't worry I won't say what happens! Danny Aiello is wonderful as the father who is cursed with bad luck and Anthony LaPaglia is the best I've ever seen him as the son who is cursed with good luck. Some scenes are hilarious and others will break your heart. Just writing this out makes me want to watch it, and I just think I might!

and I cannot believe it didn't get more behind it as far as advertising prior to it's release. When I auditioned for the part; we were told that the movie would most likely be an Oscar nominee. It should have been; because it is excellent. Truly excellent. It is a great story and looking at it now; it feels a lot like The Sopranos. In fact Tony Sirico of The Sopranos was in it.

When we were filming in Charlotte; I never knew how much of a real story was in this movie. If you've ever filmed a scene for a movie; you know how much tunnel vision you really have. I didn't really understand it until I saw it almost a year later.

My part was of a lottery "finalist" in the movie at "Madison Square Garden". Properly played by the "historic" Charlotte Coliseum. Now..the Independence Arena.

I was there for 25 hours straight and I can't say I enjoyed it at the time. The local TV news interviewed me on air live (a major film in Charlotte was a big deal then) and I looked like a 70's reject with no sleep. I wasn't far from being that in reality! Although looking back; I am proud to say I was in this film.

Please see it if you have not and you will be better for it.

Although not highly rated by critics, this film has a great story with both poignant and funny moments. An excellent cast, I would recommend it to anyone. If you're an East coast born and bred Italian American, you'll especially love the ethnic comedy that many of us have seen or lived through. Danny Aiellos' portrayal of the out-of luck father is one of his better performances in this "based on a true story" tale. It will finally be available on DVD in 2005, and is great to watch around the holidays since the main storyline occurs at Christmas. The tag line on the packaging is right on stating it's "Goodfellas meets It's A Wonderful Life." This movie proves that the critics aren't always right!!