|
Reviews of Recent Independent, Foreign, & Documentary Films in Theaters and DVD/Home Video
YONKERS JOE Joe is a fast-talking dice shooter from the underbelly of society with a knack for the sleight of hand and the guts to put his skills into action. He’s got the talent, the financial backing, and a clever plan to rip-off the Vegas casinos in one final score. The only catch? His son is developmentally delayed. Chazz Palminteri, in the film’s title role, has always been a poor man’s… well, Chazz Palminteri. Sure, he does a fine job with this impossible character—something between a stereotype and a bad joke—and actually brings a believable middle-class desperation to the table. Unfortunately, it’s about the only thing that keeps this formulaic B movie in business. After a series of botched small-time scams (he and his cohorts attempt to rip-off the same guy twice!), Joe brings his estranged son to the table as well. Adequately constructed by young actor Tom Guiry (Mystic River, TV’s The Black Donnellys), Joe Jr.’s developmental problems are occasionally hilarious, mostly involving sexually inappropriate phrases and actions. His handicap, though, frequently impedes his father’s climb up the golden ladder of “cold decking,” “dice switching,” and generally parting fools from their money. The premise is ridiculous. With lines like, “I’ve been alone all my life, but I’m never lonely until I look at this kid,” the drama craps out on the first roll. The payoff finally comes when Junior descends the escalator in his favorite black-and-white three-piece suit, complete with Travolta-length collar, and steps into the craps game. It’s one small step for Yonkers Joe Jr., but one giant leap for the father-son relationship. This is an obvious Rainman salute (rip-off?), but how else might this mismatched pair discover that maybe they’re not so different after all? The surprising ending is less a surprise and more a half-baked resolution. Either way, save your bet and don’t get cold-decked by this one. High-stakes poker continues to merit the honorable
designation of “sport,” and gambling has become more accepted and
acceptable as casino terms become household words. One wonders how
concerned are the casinos when films, articles, and indeed even classes
encourage taking thousands home from Vegas. In truth, for every talented
con that rips off the big guys, hundreds more, emboldened by the success
stories, depart empty-handed. Casinos are probably thankful for the
business that films like these bring in. So if you do happen to
accidentally catch this in an on-demand mishap, don’t believe the hype.
Not everyone stacks dice like Yonkers Joe. Michael Lee
|
