Memorable, crazy movie

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

Blistering performances.

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?

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..

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.

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.