Some viewers(not all mind you) shy away from films involving people with learning disabilities. Those people should see this movie.
Yonkers Joe is about a con-artist who must suddenly take care of his son who has, as Joe Jr. put it,"one extra chromosome". Chazz Palminteri's character goes through a fantastic transformation in this film - going from the A-typical soulless con-man to a loving father.
The three leads in this film do an incredible job in three very difficult roles to play. I think the director did a superb job of creating a realistic film that is original and heartfelt. I'd be interested to see the budget on this film(sure it was low).
Yonkers Joe takes the simple approach to film-making. Thumbs up for all those involved for making a meaningful film at a time when they are so few and far in between.
The gambling scenes are realistic. The characters are believable. Yonkers is a success for all those involved and a surprising treat for this unsuspecting viewer.
I would rank this higher but the ending was rushed a bit, and it definitely falls a bit short in the 'style' department. Either way a good sleeper that is definitely worth at least one viewing.
There will be a divided audience on this because of the natural, uncomfortable moments that arise from some truly disturbing father-son moments. Chazz starts off as a selfish, near heart-less father, and slowly transforms due to the few loved one's that start to take up larger roles in his life. This uncomfortable feeling shouldn't bring down the rating - it should raise it. It's realistic, transcending. This film has enough moral undertones to more than make up for production and script pitfalls.
72/100
Yonkers Joe is about a con-artist who must suddenly take care of his son who has, as Joe Jr. put it,"one extra chromosome". Chazz Palminteri's character goes through a fantastic transformation in this film - going from the A-typical soulless con-man to a loving father.
The three leads in this film do an incredible job in three very difficult roles to play. I think the director did a superb job of creating a realistic film that is original and heartfelt. I'd be interested to see the budget on this film(sure it was low).
Yonkers Joe takes the simple approach to film-making. Thumbs up for all those involved for making a meaningful film at a time when they are so few and far in between.
The gambling scenes are realistic. The characters are believable. Yonkers is a success for all those involved and a surprising treat for this unsuspecting viewer.
I would rank this higher but the ending was rushed a bit, and it definitely falls a bit short in the 'style' department. Either way a good sleeper that is definitely worth at least one viewing.
There will be a divided audience on this because of the natural, uncomfortable moments that arise from some truly disturbing father-son moments. Chazz starts off as a selfish, near heart-less father, and slowly transforms due to the few loved one's that start to take up larger roles in his life. This uncomfortable feeling shouldn't bring down the rating - it should raise it. It's realistic, transcending. This film has enough moral undertones to more than make up for production and script pitfalls.
72/100