The Deli

This is to let you all know that while Quinn says the characters are an offensive representation of some New Yorkers - that's not true! (This comes from an Italian American...me) First of all, the movie is funny as all hell. That's because the quirkiness of the characters are quite real. Just take a walk into any OTB parlor, Yankees or Mets game and you're sure to find characters like those portrayed in The Deli. The character of Johnny played by Mike Starr is so incredibly accurate of the degenerate gambler it's scary. The movie does not 'glamorize' characters (like in Goodfellas or Casino) but accentuates the foibles and wacky neurosis of the everyday gambler and "regular Joe."

I highly recommend this movie for anyone with a sense of humor. While it's no Casablanca, it's a very very funny "insiders" representation of those who dwell in the Italian American blue class neighborhoods of New York city. Rent it. Watch it. And laugh! If you don't find it funny, then the jokes simply went over your head. So you'll need to watch it again.

Just purchased the Special Edition DVD with the Commentary and Deleted Scenes (which I thought some should have been left in the film). The director and actors on the commentary stated that even children enjoyed the film. Well, let me tell you my 8 year old daughter started to watch it with me during the Pinky/Mattarazzo scenes !! She was laughing. Anyway, a great talented cast that knew how to act natural contributed to an authentic film about a typical ethnic New York neighborhood. Complimenti ! Bellissimo film ! Established character actors such as Tony Sirico, Burt Young, Vincent Pastore, Frank Vincent bring an authenticity to the film which makes the viewers literally feel that they are right there on location in a close knit neighborhood. Even the great Judith Malina from the theater contributes in her portrayal as Mrs. Amico. This film should be viewed by any film lover as it is a light hearted comedy about any given day in a NY quarter.

Not very much happens in this slice-of-life story about the people who work in and frequent a neighborhood deli. Most of the dialogue seems improvised, which isn't always such a good thing. There was a laugh or two but not enough to sustain interest throughout. Matt Keeslar is good and gets special credit for not even attempting a dese-dem-dose accent. The characters that come in and out of the story are sometimes interesting and colorful, but they add up to not very much. It is always nice seeing some good actors, like Chris Noth, Frank Vincent, Debi Mazar, William McNamara, Ice T and especially David Johanssen, who is perhaps funniest of all as a cabbie.

I understand that back then, this may have felt like just another one of those. One that tries to capture the feeling of movies like Smoke/Blue in the Face and so forth. But watching this with years gone by, the perspective helps the movie. I'd go as far as to say that it aged quite well overall.

The casting is amazing (I'm guessing a lot of favors got called in) and the story is alright overall, while not being anything special at all. It is about the interactions of the characters it is about "episodes" in life or the store. Again that may not appeal to you specifically, but that doesn't make this a bad movie - and vice versa. Decent enough for those interested in movies like this

ok.. this isn't your average comedy.. it's quite fun to watch, but don't expect to fall down on your back or laugh out a storm! it's good, the performance is very good actually. I personally enjoyed this movie! It's a smart sort of a comedy, I think that the whole family can enjoy this one!