Two Bits

This movie reminded me of some foreign films I own, low-key films which feature nice storytelling. There are no good guys vs. bad guys, no action, no blood, no sex: just a story of a day back in the Depression era in South Philadelphia.

The story centers around a young boy "Gennero" (Jerry Barone) trying to raise "two bits" (25 cents) to see a movie. It features his dying grandfather, played nicely by Al Pacino. Along the way the 12-year-old encounters interesting people and events. Pacino dishes out the usual grandfatherly advice and well meaning-but-on-Biblical theology ("God puts a brick on your house in heaven every time you do a good deed and he takes one away when you are bad.") Some have criticized Pacino for taking this role. I guess they want him to be a cop in every film. Well, he's a great actor and shows his diversified talents well in here. Whatever.....this film is loaded with charm and a nice story that's like a good book: hard to put down once you start.

At 84 minutes, it doesn't overstay its welcome, either. Even though there is little profanity, I would not recommend this as family fare because the film touches on a disturbing doctor and his wife.

Overall, I really enjoyed this movie and glad to see it's out on DVD now, too.

You never get tiered from watching this movie.

first this movie succeeds to touch your heart and make it wonder with the little boy Gennaro "Jerry Barone" He did his part very well, with his pure wondering face and great acting managed to make this movie one of the best drama screen ever.

The story carry a pain of a widow wife, mistakes of an ill old man and a hope of a little child.

Manage to present the different classes among people 'How can this people have money while we are poor, and how can they celebrate while my grandpa. is sick' Genaro said this movie rates 9/10

The last line in the movie had tears falling from our eyes. We LOVED this movie. It kept us interested throughout! The realism of Philadelphia was wonderful, especially since it was supposed to be many years in the past. Acting superb, content holding, message eye opening. all in all, a movie we never expected to be so good, was in fact, heart warming. Joe and Lydia

This film is really good. If you like Italian, if you have a touch of sentimentalism in you, if you like Pacino (who doesn't)& if you're nostalgic for films about yesteryear (1930's, The Great Depression), then this one'll be a treat for you.

Twelve year old Gennaro wants to go to the "air-cooled" La Paloma Movie House. He needs 25 cents but money is hard to come by at this time. The kid is resourceful though. He's willing to work for his goal. Jobs are scarce & people are dying from lack of food & things they cannot afford like medicine. "Grampa Pacino" is on his death-bed out in the back yard but he 'can't die' until he gets forgiven for something he did decades ago. He gets his grandson to ask the person for forgiveness - THEN he can have the 25 cents.

I really like the closeness of these two characters. I don't know where this young Jerry Barone (Gennaro) came from but he's a good actor & he's handsome. (He could probably play Hispanic, too.) So enjoy a bit of the old country with Two Bits. You'll be surprised. There's nothing' sappy about it. It's for everyone...

Lack of action makes the audience pay attention to the characters, their thoughts, their needs and wants -- but especially their relationships with each other. This cast is outstanding in conveying the thoughts and feelings of persons experiencing the pain and suffering of the depression, yet ever remindful of each others' wants and needs. I loved every minute of it!! The second time through -- and I want to buy it to be able to experience it as often as I need this kind of reminder . . . and to share with my family, especially my grandkids.