A Wake in Providence

OK, I was born and raised in East Providence in a mostly Portugese Catholic family so all this was very familiar to me. I recognized most of the locations in the exterior shots (Federal Hill, AKA Goombatown) and I know these characters so for me this movie was almost like a trip home. Granted, the characters are a bit stereotypical but, there actually are people like that in Rhode Island and I know a lot of them. The neighborhood bar actually looked like my Uncle Angelo's basement, complete with the tacky lighting and fake wood paneling on the walls! Yes, the story is reminiscent of the old Hepburn-Tracy classic but with this family and setting, it takes on a fresh feel. I recommend it to anyone who needs a good laugh...

A Wake in Providence was a great escape! How wonderful it was to lose myself in someone else's dysfunctional family for an afternoon at a recent special screening in New York! The performances were heartfelt, funny and very real. The story was well written and involved you from the veryu start! The laughs steady and the pace perfect! I found myself wanting more! The characters were so well developed that it leaves you wanting to follow this family into another adventure. This could be the start of another "Vacation" franchise! An excellent choice for a date or a group of friends! A wake in Providence has the markings of a sleeper hit if ever released nationally.

A Wake In Providence is one of the best films I've ever seen. I saw it at a special screening, and couldn't wait for the release - so I could take my family and friends. Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore are extremely talented writers. Adrienne Barbeau is at her best. Great performances are given by the truly talented ensemble cast. I hope somebody wakes up and realizes what a gem this motion picture is. Oh, I forgot!!! We are in the generation of Jerry Springer, Survivor, Who Want's To Marry a Millionaire, and movies now produced by the god-awful MTV. Who'd want to see a movie with taste...?

Move over "Greek Wedding" this is the year for and Italian Funeral!

Anthony Gelati, a struggling young actor living in Venice, California, has finally landed his first major role in a movie. He races home to share the news with his live-in girlfriend Alissa who reminds him that he promised to introduce her to his family back East when he was cast in a big movie. Anthony, who is Full-Blooded Italian, has been apprehensive about bringing her home because she is African-American, something he has not yet told his family.

The result, a comedy masterpiece!

Director Rosario Roveto Jr. scores big on this his debut movie. Hollywood needs to jump on the bandwagon with this one! This is on my "A" list! It was refreshing to see Adrienne Barbeau as part of this talented cast. She is still her stunning self. Brothers is Vincet & Mike Pagano bring a realistic portrayal of life in a traditional Italian family. They also score a comedic plus.

Roveto is a sleeper and this movie should have his phone ringing off the wall. Splendid!

"A Wake in Providence" is the Italian-American version of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" Aspiring actor Tony Gelati (Vincent Pagano) and paralegal girlfriend Alissa (Victoria Rowell) travel from Los Angeles to Providence, Rhode Island to attend the funeral of Tony's grandfather and to introduce Alissa to his family. A complication is that Tony has never told his traditional Sicilian relatives (the Gelati-Baldassarre clan) that Alissa's heritage is African-American. Now the family really has nothing against Alissa or black folks in general. But the relations (and culture) are ethnocentric Italians (except for the adopted Korean boy Nicky who is nonetheless culturally Italian), and folks tend to marry those of the same heritage. In addition they tell it as it is. So when Tony introduces Alissa there is anxiety, although his brother and aunt are open-minded. Things come to froth when an upset Alissa accuses Tony of being ashamed of their relationship. Tony is not ashamed, but as he initially does not stand up for her he is misunderstood. In reality Tony is anxious about his family's reaction, and he wants their approval of the relationship.

What is unusual is that the protagonist Tony is not really presented as gallant until the denouement. "A Wake in Providence" is a romantic comedy, not a drama. Although the movie satirizes stereotypes, it seems to emphasize them brazenly. For example, note the portrayals of the attractive, but over-sexed, Italian girlfriends, Gina DiFonzo (Michele Maika) and Connie (Leigh Allyn Baker). Lisa Raggio as Claudia, who is almost insane, still uses corporal punishment on her two sons. The two cousins, played by John Mariano and co-scripter Billy Van Zandt, are ludicrous ("mooks" says the Nicky the Korean). Nevertheless the acting and comedy are fine. Adrienne Barbeau plays the cool, hard-drinking liberal Aunt Lidia very well. She too has a bit of a secret. Victoria Rowell does a great job as the beleaguered but dignified Alissa. Mike Pagano, Vincent's real life brother, plays his brother Frankie. Frankie, although initially surprised, is supportive of the couple. He has a secret that he reveals at dinner time. Kaye Kingston as the new widow, Gram Baldassarre, seems a bit over-expressive although she is humorous. Jerry Vale has a cameo as the suave singer, Buddy Verona. The cross- dressing scene around the 70-minute mark adds nothing to the movie. But the story line moves well and there are plenty of laughs throughout. The implication at the end is that the family will improve.

On-location filming is always a plus. Locals will easily recognize such landmarks as the "Pineapple" on Federal Hill, the "Superman" Building in downtown Providence, Camille's Restaurant, St. Mary's Church, and TF Green Airport. There are glimpses of Rhode Island fare, such as Del's Lemonade. This not-generally known feature, filmed in 1999, was not widely distributed until 2005.