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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.

One of the best holiday movies ever. Has a little bit of something for the whole family... Christmas cinema royalty

This is one of those films where you just stay glued to the story to see what happens next. It was completely 180 degrees from what I thought it was going to be.

I was expecting a story about how the first New York State lottery winner dealt with his new riches, and what I found was the Italian-American version of It's A Wonderful Life.

This movie has it all - mobsters (of course, it's about Italian-Americans), dysfunctional families, drinking and gambling, but, most of all, a whole lot of laughs.

You just can't believe how incredibly lucky Frank Pesce (young Anthony LaPaglia) is. This guy sets stabbed in the gut and comes up roses. He is drifting about aimlessly in a family where dad (Danny Aiello in a super role) has a gambling problem. These two together are a riot! It even includes the real lottery winner, Frank Pesce. Lanie Kazan from My Big Fat Greek Wedding played a great Italian-American mom. Happy Mother's Day.

You should check this out if you like Italian-American comedy. Capice?

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!

I'm glad this turned out to have a dramatic turn of events right in the middle, cause if it wasn't for that it would be a pathetic and shallow little movie about almost nothing.

"29th Street" tells the story of a lucky guy in New York who doesn't seem to realize all the luck he has, confusing it (to some extent) as a misfortune. He could be called as the luckiest man alive yet quite unlucky. The movie begins with him being the first person to ever win the New York State lottery. And what does he do? Scream to God in anger. Later, his life story is retold, showing his instants of pure and amazing lucky strikes such as being discharged from serving in the Vietnam war or surviving an fatal attack where he could almost get killed. And he doesn't win the lottery once but twice.

Who is this guy? He's Frank Pesce (played by Anthony LaPaglia), quite an character who now is an actor (he plays his older brother in this film). We follow not only him but also his big and lovable family having as parents two great folks (played by Lainie Kazan and Danny Aiello), who always try to make ends meet despite everything, including Frank's lunacies and lack of involvement on things.

So, first half of the movie is so incredibly dumb and unfunny that one can easily depart from watching it. It's full of comic situations that doesn't cause much impact on the viewer. It gets better when the "stolen car" problem is introduced to us.

And if lifts up for good when Frank has to solve his father's financial problems, surrounded with debts after asking money from the mob. Frank will have to decide if he'll get the millions of dollar of the ticket or deliver it to the mobsters who want to buy it for a good price (smaller than the prize though) since they know about Frank's luck. That's when the movies shows what's it all about, creating some tension and building an satisfying story involvement for us that saves this project of being a little silly.

LaPaglia's performance comes of as strong and vigorous, sometimes truly funny when almost everyone around plays pathetic types, and he can be quite moving as well (the fight scene with the father is his high point). But it's Danny Aiello and his class act that are the true reason "29th Street" doesn't suck. He's an convincing father, very real, a good person who does his best to unite his family, sacrificing everything for whom he cares.

The final message is the one that really grabs us despite a little sentimental. It's a film about understanding what luck or fortunate moments means. But not the most perceivable of lucks, or getting millions of dollars but discovering that you have not only the most difficult of lucks but the one that truly matters. Find it what it is in this picture. 6/10

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!!

"29th Street" is not only one of the greatest Christmas movies ever made it's also one of the most emotionally satisfying movies ever made. The only reason that I can think of why this movie is not on everyone's Christmas "must watch" list is because of the R rating. Don't let that scare you off. Sure the language is rough but it's also honest. Brutally honest. The rough language adds to a lot of realism to any otherwise fantastic story. "29th Street" is a beautifully acted movie. Lainie Kazan and Danny Aiello are the two stand-outs. Aiello should have been nominated for an Oscar for his terrific performance. In lesser hands his character wouldn't have worked. "29th Street" is a wildly emotional movie. There's not a dry eye in the living room when this one is over. "29th Street" is one of the greats.

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.

29th Street is a cult hit and one of the most underrated films of all time. It is the touching story about a nice Italian guy who is at the same time blessed and cursed with good fortune. The acting in this film is 1st rate. Everyone nails their role down. Danny Aiello, Robert Forster, Lani Kazan are magnificent, but the actor who steals the show is Anthony LaPaglia.

The film combines Old School Italian-American humor with traces of mob genre films to tell the story about the 1st ever New York State Lottery winner in 1976 Frank Pesce(LaPaglia). The script is 1st rate, George Gallo's directing is excellent, the music is perfect for the film.

Pay attention to the scene when Frank and his pals go to the draft physical in order to apply to the Vietnam war. IT IS SO FUNNY!!

This is the type of film that you can watch over and over again. My buddies and I continuously quote this film. Enjoy and you will feel a lump in your throat @ the end of the 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.

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!!!!!!!!

Probably because it's not available to stream, and therefore see, this movie is a terrific movie and it makes me sad that I can't rent/stream it. Please make this movie available.

I love all the characters in this film.

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.

What an unpleasant experience watching a family of cliche parodies yell and scream their way through 90 mins of depressing bad choice plot details only to try and bring it home with a "loving family even though we're horrendous criminal people being horrible to each other" ending.

It started bad and never left that lane. 1991 though when we could handle half of the movie being people lighting and handling cigarettes, and before we had these thoroughly worn out cliches of characters drummed into us ad nauseum for the next 3 decades. Thankfully they don't make movies like this any more.

Do not be fooled. This is not a feel good family christmas movie. It is an unpleasant experience that leaves a bad taste in your mouth and thankful that the thing is over.

The story had no charm, drunks and gambling addicts, stupid petty criminals (oh how charming) and lotteries to save the day. Gee, all the best of humanity in one movie.

Please give this film a pass and try to find something that adds something positive to your world. This movie did not.

First rate drama-comedy that is delivered beautifully to us like a Valentine in the performances of Aiello and Lapaglia, who are brilliant as father and son who dream of dreams and hope for anything to come along. Their dreams start to become reality when Lapaglia has a shot at winning big on the lottery. Based on the true exploits of Frank Pesce, who has a role in the film, this is moving portrait about family, love and that little thing called luck.

This is the story of the luckiest man alive. It's as interesting as it sounds. An undiscovered gem, with great acting and great actors, namely Danny Aiello and Anthony LaPaglia.

Do yourself a favor and watch this movie. You won't regret it.

10/10

My family has been watching this movie after Christmas Eve dinner faithfully for over 25 years now but this will be a particularly sad viewing this year with the passing of star Danny Aiello just 2 days ago. That said, I would encourage anyone to make this gem a part of your family's holiday tradition as well. You don't have to be Italian, you don't have to be in (or from) New York, and you don't even have to remember the 1970s to appreciate every aspect of this wonderful film.

While the bulk of the story is seen through flashbacks, the film takes place on a beautiful, snowy Christmas Eve and centers around the ups, downs and overall depth of feeling of family. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll get hungry (if you're anything like my family!) and will enjoy it many times over.

I encourage anyone to make this film a staple in your family's holiday movie tradition.

Buon Natale!!! (and RIP "Frank Pesce, Sr", Danny Aiello.

Being Italian I can relate to the entire picture. The glasses on there table we had, you got them from green stamps when you bought gas. Danny Aiello was great, the whole cast was great. RIP Danny Aiello...

1st watched 11/13/2006 - 5 out of 10(Dir-George Gallo): Interesting but somewhat bland dramedy about a winner of the first NY state lottery in 1976. The real winner, Frank Pesce, actually played a part in the movie as one of his brothers, was an associate producer, co-wrote the story and it was based on his book. So, he had a lot to do with this story being brought to the big screen. In a way, this kind of underminds the whole thing. The story is basically about how the lottery winner has a led a lucky life from day one, but he thinks that his luck has been turned around by a decision he made two hours before he won the money. It's told from his point of view as he is explaining to the cops that picked him up for vandelizing a church after the announcement was made that he won. His story has moments of comedy, heart-warming family moments, and of heartbreak as we journey thru some of his life up to this point. What doesn't work is the last hour where we're taken thru how the story becomes a positive one for him when he thinks it's negative. I realize this is a true story but it was difficult for me to buy into the conclusion. I consider this a negative on the filmmaker's part. I'm not doubting the story, I just don't think it was presented very well. If I get into any more details it would ruin it for those who want to watch the movie, so I won't. Anyway, what could have been a heartwarming human story just missed for me. OK entertainment, but that's all in my eyes.

Well here it is Christmas Day and I was just flipping through the channels. We don't have cable, so there wasn't much to choose from. I happened to stop on the end of a showing of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and by chance I decided to see the next movie that was showing-29th STREET.

This is a great movie, 10 out of 10. I have to say that first of all. I'm assuming this isn't the most well known of movies because it's not something I've ever heard of. I recommend it though. Despite some rough language (which was edited out of the tv viewing I got to see), it is a great family film. Did you like MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING? This film manages to capture that same ethnic family feeling, though in this film it is Italian, not Greek. The family, with Danny Aiello as the father, is charming in all it's quirkiness. I laughed a lot at the subtle humor that came out of the daily lives of the Pesce family.

The acting in the film is terrific. The characters are well developed in the writing and the actors used this to the fullest in bringing them to life. I was amazed to see that Frank Pesce actually plays in the movie in a fairly large role as the brother Vito. He does a good job. Anthony LaPaglia is excellent too. You'd think he'd really grown up in NYC with that accent of his.

If you happen to catch this on tv or see it at a movie rental place, don't pass it up. The story is simple-the world's luckiest man as he grows up. The ending runs high with emotion as you come to see the results of the decisions that this lucky man and his family makes. In the end though, it's a great holiday film, showing the true love that families have. It's great to see men (fathers) with lots of love and emotion for their families!

Check this out :D

This is a classic film my family has been watching for decades. It takes you through the ups and downs of Frank Pesces life and shows the complex relationship between a father and son. A beautiful story and one you will want to watch over and over. The ending is unforgettable!