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.
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janet-5522 August 2005
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sheva03021 November 2019One of the best holiday movies ever. Has a little bit of something for the whole family... Christmas cinema royalty
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lastliberal11 May 2007This 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? -
Kirpianuscus24 February 2019In 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.
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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? -
sarahhumphreysdayoff2 November 2004My 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!
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Rodrigo_Amaro29 November 2012I'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 -
pmtelefon31 December 2019"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.
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zor199711 February 2007and 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!!
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SnoopyStyle30 January 2016It'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. -
mikeygoodlife29 October 200429th 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. -
dk77730 September 2020A 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. -
vulture13 October 1998One 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!!!!!!!! -
The comedy that comes out of this movie is delivered through the eyes of irony rather than something that is actually funny. It's a genuine crowd pleaser that shows the wacky side of an Italian American family as seen through the sardonic Anthony LaPaglia with the heart of patriarch Danny Aiello, tough but loving, hot tempered but sentimental, trying to knock some sense into his son without getting rid of the voices he jokingly believes lives in his son's head. Then there's LaPaglia's buddies from child, all of them nuts in very funny ways. Through LaPaglia's narration, this film is able to show all of these bizarre situations that occur up to the time he wins the very first New York State lottery which is just another bit of luck that LaPaglia feels to be unfortunate.
Many films that try to build their structure around narration fail, but this one proves that when it is done correctly, it works completely, and you really feel like you are back in time in 1960's Queens thanks to the intelligence of the script. It could be called a companion piece to Chazz Palminteri's "A Bronx Tale" (released two years later), even though the two films are completely independent of each other. Anyone who has a large family can identify with the various personalities, especially with a strong ethnic background where old traditions dominate everyone irregardless whether they want it or not.
Best known for playing strong willed Jewish mothers, Lanie Kazan is perfect as the strong Italian mother. (Any wonder she later did it as a strong Greek matriarch?) Aiello portrays a relatable character, proud yet stubborn, loyal but disgruntled (especially by his son's being the one to get the lucky break, not him), and the vulnerability in LaPaglia trying to sympathize with his dad makes for an honorable, if flawed, hero. There's only a teeny bit of stereotyping, with the mob certainly a part of the story, but not dominating it. The soundtrack features lots of great old standards which helps create the perfect mood. There are a ton of surprises along the way that humanizes everybody and brings a ton of Christmas spirit via Tony Bennett records and a bit of old fashioned family love that strengthens, not weakens, every time family members squabble. -
thombess10 October 2021Probably 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. -
dwpollar13 November 20061st 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.
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Coxer9929 June 1999First 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.
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ShooShooFontana14 December 2019My 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. -
atzimo30 May 2002This 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 -
barb5712 February 2005I 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.
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ginocam11 May 2021Being 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...
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PonderosaGal11 January 2008I can't believe I wasted 10 bucks on this movie about a bunch of Northern Italians! I'm Sicilian and my family acts nothing like this. We don't scream and yell at each other just for the heck of it, we're not mean, we're not aggressive, and we don't try to bring each other down. We're easygoing and friendly, but we can get feisty when it's needed.
The overall story is great, hands-down, I won't deny it that. But the Northerners get on my nerves and left me with a headache when it was finally over. Too much negativity. The only parts I enjoyed was seeing Tony Sirico (Paulie Walnuts, The Sopranos) in his small role.
The Italians own us, but they are NOT of us!! Unless you like true stories, if you're Sicilian and proud of it please save your money and 1 hour and 41 minutes of your life and do not waste your time with this film like I SHOULD have. -
pfcole23 September 2004I have always liked this film. Imagine my surprise when I found out my
wifes uncle is in the movie! He plays Irv the pawnbroker. I had seen it a bunch of times before I found this out. He is the guy who sells Frank the lottery ticket. There are some great scenes in this film. The one where they are going to pick up the insurance check for their car that was "stolen" Ha! Ha!. is a classic. I have always liked Danny Aiello. He is one of the great Character actors of all time. And Anthoney Lapaglia is a solid actor also. The real Frank Pesce is also in the movie. You might recognize him from Beverly hills Cop with Eddie Murphy and other films of the like. -
Red-Barracuda28 September 2021This brilliant comedy-drama is like a Martin Scorsese movie minus the violence. It centres on a squabbling Italian-American family from New York and in particular one of the sons who is cursed with good luck, which leads to all manner of comedy and tragedy. There is stellar acting performances all round, in particular Danny Aiello and Anthony LaPaglia as the father and son respectively. This is a proper unheralded gem, with great comedy, strong drama and excellent characters. Watch it!