Nunzio

As other reviewers have noted, this is a formula picture that has been done before. That's not a mark against this little gem of a picture, just that it doesn't break any new ground.

David Proval, who would later go on to play Richie Aprile, the psycho mobster with the "Charles Manson" stare in HBO's The Sopranos, turns in a remarkable performance here as the mentally handicapped Nunzio.

A chubby, frizzy-haired bicycle delivery boy for a neighborhood grocer, Nunzio indulges in fantasies that he is a superhero. He lives a life marked with torments from the gang of deadbeats at the corner, overbearing concern from his mother and older brother, and general confusion about women and his burgeoning desires for them.

Although this film sets up several plot devices that could easily have gone "over the top", director Williams handles the story with a deft touch, never allowing the film to enter the realm of melodrama until the final climactic scene, which serves more as a release than a dive into the overly dramatic.

With a fluid story that moves at a good pace, terrific acting, and tons of spine shuddering 70s kitch (was that decade REALLY that awful for fashion?), this is a film not to be missed, if you can ever find it, that is.

A good and forgotten film. I saw this as a kid when it was on Wometco Home Theatre back in the 70's. David Proval stars as Nunzio, a mentally challenged man whose life the film focuses on. Many years after seeing this moving, I met my wife who has a mentally challenged brother. As the years passed, I remembered this movie as Nunzio and my brother-in-law were very much alike and had the same issues. The film does an effective job showing not only what a mentally challenged person goes through, but also that person's family as well. Just like my brother-in-law, Nunzio has capabilities but, most of the time, is unable to use them constructively. The film shows that there is not much that can be done for such people and it can become a frustrating situation for that person's family. Sadly, the film also shows how mentally challenged people are often bullied or taken advantage of by others. David Proval is outstanding as Nunzio. Due to the limited release of this film, he did not receive the credit that he should have for his performance. The move is on You Tube so check it out.

The first time i saw this movie was when pay TV just started. known back then as WHT for 18.00 a month..I was stoned off my face when i saw this with a close friend and let me say i was so into it. the cast was perfect and let me also say i was in love with Jo Jo played by Vincent Russo. what a hot man indeed..a very down to earth real life picture that most anyone can relate to..this movie should be aired today. so underrated.in 1978 i was 20 years old and knew what i was about and into..this movie could turn a total wise mouth bully into an understanding and caring person with a little help .I give this great movie a must see before you get old.

Nunzio is a rarely aired film concerning a twenty something mentaly challenged man. On the surface he appears to be a loon wearing a towel as a cape playing hero. Fortunately for the viewer he turns out to be much more. David Proval in an understated performance shows us the life and first time love in a wonderful fashion. In the end we see a wannabe hero that truly can be. A small film not to be missed.

You might catch this captivating film on the late late LATE show some night, it doesn't pop up too often. The story of a mentally challenged grocery-delivery boy and the neighborhood of craziness that surrounds him, NUNZIO will stay with you long after you've seen it. David Proval gives an amazing performance as the title character. In fact all of the performances are right-on.

Like Cliff Robertson's "Charly" or Jackie Gleason's "Gigot", Nunzio tugs at your emotions and doesn't let go. Proval went on to star in the HBO series "The Sopranos".