A Wake in Providence (1999)

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

From my favorite movies..

To all those who have watched it: I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

"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.

While some performances were good-Victoria Rowell, Adrienne Barbeau, and the two Italian girlfriends come to mind-the story was lame and derivative, the emphasis on the girlfriend's racial background was handled clumsily at best, and the relatives were mostly portrayed as stereotypes, not as real people. I found myself wincing uncomfortably at many moments that were supposed to be funny. I can hardly comprehend why the local paper here in SF said this was a good movie, and wonder WHO posted the glowing review here on IMDb. Very disappointed in this movie, and mad I actually went to a theatre to see it, based on the faulty connection to Garden State, which is a far funnier, more inventive, and touching movie than this one. I must especially mention the emotional climax in the church, which was so wooden and by-the-numbers that I nearly left, and some in the audience actually DID. THAT was followed by a silly climax at the graveyard, which I saw coming 10 minutes before it happened. I really don't like being misled to spend my money so uselessly.

I though this movie was funny, A true Italian American family in Rhode Island. I went threw the same thing with my family but I let them meet her without a death in the family. Mistake that was. This movie has a lot more going on. Because the Grandfather died Anthony has to take his African American girlfriend to meet his (FBI) Full Blown Italian Family for the funeral in Providence, Rhode Island. Two moronic cousins, crazy aunts.They really are good people deep down. But they say what's on their minds. This movie was film in Providence. Nobody in his family knows she is African American. They just know her name Alissa. Can't tell you anymore you must see. It's out in limited theaters But it isn't playing in Providence. Maybe some day.

Came across this Gem and I am Still wondering why? Why Is It in a video Store and not in Theaters. This movie had me laughing so loudly I absolutely Loved it!! Hoping Others will get to see this beaut soon. Everything was great! I thought the acting was great, The Direction was good. The old lady that played the grandmother was a bitch on wheels and I loved her too. Maybe if more people rented this movie maybe it might get released in the theatre. That is what Happened to Reese Silverspoon and her movie Highway With Keifer Sutherland and Brooke Shields!! Worked for her could do the same for these guys. I certainly will be spreading the word on the film and letting others know about it.