29th Street (1991)

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

Frank Pesce did not win $6.2 million in the 1976 Empire Stakes lottery in New York. He didn't win a penny because there wasn't such a lottery or drawing on that date. New York launched its Empire Stakes game in January 1977. But, scenes in "29th Street" clearly show a drawing for such a lottery on Christmas Eve of 1976. So much for this film being "based on a true story," as the IMDb storyline reads, and as the movie implies and so many reviewers seem to believe. People in general, and movie buffs especially, should be wary of a claim that a film is "based on a true story." That can mean anything. "Based on" might mean no more than keeping the title of a novel. Or, it might mean a thorough and accurate rendering of a book. Most often, it means something in between. Perhaps a story that has been altered in time, with events, with fictitious characters or accounts, and/or absent some events and people. In "29th Street." the only resemblance to reality may be some of the interplay in the Pesce family. But even that must be suspect. Newspaper articles in 1991 (L.A. Times and N.Y. Times) discussed this film and its origin with skepticism. After all, Pesce, who is a character actor, has given no personal details about himself or his family. The IMDb Web site doesn't even have his place and date of birth. So, the accuracy of the film build-up aside, how does this movie stand on its own? While the plot and premise of this story are strange and hard to believe, the script is good and the acting is very good. This is a story about a family that is dysfunctional, yet strongly bound in love. That is its endearing aspect. No matter what the situations, and no matter what the mistakes of one or more members, in the end they are bound by love. This is shown most often in the relationship between Frank Pesce senior and Frank junior, played by Danny Aiello and Anthony LaPaglia, respectively. Their frequent arguments are laced with humor at times. Lainie Kazan is excellent as Mrs. Pesce, and Frank Pesce (the real Frank Pesce?) plays the older brother, Vito Pesce. The movie has considerable profanity and dodges all around questionable legal activities. It has something of a fairy-tale atmosphere about it. The idea for the story and film was concocted by Frank Pesce and his friend, actor James Franciscus. It was supposed to resemble Pesce's family when he grew up in a tough New York neighborhood of Italian and other ethnic families. Newspaper articles of the time liken parts of it to other films and sitcoms of the past. For a comparison of films based on real incidents, watch "It Could Happen to You" of 1994. That movie is about a New York cop who splits his winnings from a lottery ticket with a waitress. When he didn't have enough money to leave a tip, he gave her a choice of half his lottery ticket if he should win or double the tip when he comes back the next day. The film promotion says it was "inspired by" a real event or true story. And, it had a good basis. The real-life incident was in 1984 when New York policeman Robert Cunningham asked a waitress friend, Phyllis Penzo, to split a lottery ticket with him, in lieu of his leaving her a tip. Each picked three numbers and when Cunningham learned that his ticket had won $6 million, he honored his deal and split the money evenly with Penzo. Many reviewers enjoyed "29th Street" for its family depictions and nostalgic connections to growing up in similar neighborhoods. I can appreciate that. Some wondered why this movie hasn't had more play or isn't better known. Could it be because it was almost all fiction but seemed to imply and continues to be tagged as though it is based on real events?

I LOVED this film! It's fun, it's witty and clever. It has "a soul", not pretentious yet deep. As it goes on, you feel more and more connected to the characters and truly live the story with them. The fact that it contains some elements of fantasy, such as exceptionally good luck, doesn't rip the story of it's credibility, but gives it that festive, Christmassy feeling. And somewhat stereotypical idea of Italian family brought to an absurd at times just adds to fun and good humor, as I guess it was attempted (successfully). You can watch it from the adult or children's or even cynical point of view and still find something to connect to. I saw it for the first time a long time ago, and I watch it every now and then for years. I was surprised to find out that so few people have heard of it. When I think of it, I just can not remember anything I didn't like about it. It's one of my favorite movies.

in the 7th year of my 7th decade..i have a tendency to forget,more than i care to admit to.this movie fell into that category,but for some strange reason,it came to me last night..the most recent review was dated,,i think,,back in '05..but this film is truly a classic.why it has not appeared on the tube,is beyond me..all the earlier reviews mention the great acting,not only by the main leads,but every one in the film,truly outdoes themselves.i have a collection of over 200 VHS videos,and after seeing it in the local movie house when it first came out,i immediately added it to my collection..i intend to watch it this evening,,do yourself a favor,,get a copy from whoever,,and enjoy this film,ASAP,,why the AFI,has not given it the credit it deserves is beyond me..

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!