Watch 29th Street
- R
- 1992
- 1 hr 41 min
-
7.2 (3,273)
"29th Street" is a 1991 comedy-drama based on the true story of Frank Pesce Jr. The movie follows the life of Frank Pesce Jr. (played by Anthony LaPaglia), an Italian-American man living in New York City who is believed by his family and friends to be a jinx. They think that everything he touches turns to failure, and he is never successful at anything he tries.
Frank's father, Frank Pesce Sr. (played by Danny Aiello) is a gambler who is always betting on horses and is in debt with the mafia. One day, Frank Jr. is struck by lightning, and his father believes that this is a sign that he will now be lucky. Soon after, Frank Jr. wins the New York State Lottery jackpot of $6.2 million on his birthday.
The rest of the movie follows Frank and his family as they try to navigate their new-found fortune. Frank has a difficult time adjusting to his new life as a millionaire and struggles to find his place in the world. His father also has trouble adjusting, as he is afraid of the mafia coming after them for their newfound wealth.
Frank meets and falls in love with Mary (played by Lainie Kazan), a nurse who takes care of his father while he is in the hospital. Mary is from a different world than Frank and helps him see that there is more to life than just money.
The movie is a heartwarming story about the importance of family, love, and loyalty. It showcases the struggles that come with sudden wealth and the challenges that people face when trying to adjust to a new lifestyle.
Anthony LaPaglia gives a standout performance as Frank Jr., perfectly embodying the character's insecurities, vulnerabilities, and humor. Danny Aiello is also great as Frank Sr., bringing a sense of complexity to his character and making him more than just a stereotypical, overbearing father.
The movie is set in the late '70s and early '80s, and the setting and costumes perfectly capture the era. The soundtrack is also fantastic, featuring classic songs from the time, such as Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" and Abba's "Dancing Queen."
Overall, "29th Street" is a charming, feel-good movie that will leave you with a smile on your face. It's a well-acted and well-written story that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with finding their place in the world.