Watch Yonkers Joe

Yonkers Joe, released in 2008, is a dramatic movie directed by Robert Celestino. The movie stars Chazz Palminteri, Michael Lerner, Christine Lahti, and Nate Bynum in lead roles. The story revolves around Yonkers Joe (Chazz Palminteri), an experienced and successful con man who specializes in various casino-related scams. The movie's plot follows Yonkers Joe, who decides to retire from his life as a con man and settle down with his only son who he hasn't seen for years. However, things don't go as planned for Joe when he receives a call from his ex-wife urging him to reunite with his son. He reluctantly agrees to her request, but soon discovers that his son Joe Jr. (Nate Bynum) is mentally challenged and requires a lot of attention, care, and financial support.

Determined to provide his son with the best life possible, Yonkers Joe devises a plan to cheat a Chicago-based casino out of its money to pay for his son's treatment. He gathers a team of fellow con artists and sets his plan into motion. However, as the plan unfolds, Yonkers Joe struggles to balance his love for his son with his desire to succeed in the scam, forcing him to make some tough decisions.

Throughout the movie, audiences witness the inner workings of the world of con artists as they play out their elaborate schemes to achieve their goals. Yonkers Joe's team includes his ex-girlfriend Janice (Christine Lahti), his protégé Johnny (Tom Guiry), and Paul (Linus Roache), a compulsive gambler who is eager to be a part of their group.

The performances, especially that of Chazz Palminteri, are nuanced and compelling, adding depth to the characters and authenticity to the movie's storyline. With its exploration of complex moral dilemmas and moral ambiguity, Yonkers Joe offers a sobering reminder of the harsh realities of life and the consequences of one's actions.

Thoroughly engaging and thought-provoking, this movie offers a unique and captivating viewing experience. The storyline expertly navigates the complexities of father-son relationships and the challenges faced by the differently-abled. Yonkers Joe has important lessons to impart to audiences – that love can drive people to do things that they normally wouldn't, and that it's the people around us who determine our level of achievement in life.

Overall, Yonkers Joe is a compelling and well-executed movie that takes audiences into the world of casino scams and the intricate inner workings of a con artist's mind. The movie offers a unique blend of drama, suspense, and action, keeping viewers guessing at every turn. With its strong performances and intricate plot, Yonkers Joe serves as a reminder of why the movie industry continues to thrive even in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world.

Yonkers Joe is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 48.