GENRE: Comedy / Drama
YEAR: 1991
RATED: R

      An absolutely beautiful film! Anthony LaPaglia stars as Frank Pesce, a man with an odd “lucky star.” For Frank, however, this luck seems more like a curse than a gift. As the film opens in the mid 70’s, Frank is winner of the first New York State Lottery. Surprisingly, he reacts as if this is the worst moment of his life. Why, we don’t know yet.

      After causing a commotion at a nearby church, Frank is arrested. But when the police detective wants to hear his reason(s) for flipping out, especially after winning, Frank can only tell it from the beginning. And as he tells us about his life and lucky curse, we see hilarious and touching moments that could be from any family, especially the relationship with his father.

      Danny Aiello plays the father to perfection. He should have gotten an OSCAR for this, but as usual they ignored the real talent. And the real Frank Pesce, who co-wrote the story this was based on, plays older brother Vito. 29TH STREET is enjoyable anytime, but really nice to watch around the holidays too. :-)