Reviews (11)

eddie is hilarious
i think eddie is one of the funniest comedians, but if youre easily offended stay away becasue he holds nothing back. i thought this was very funny i also really enjoyed his i got the hook up stand up dvd. i was in tears. if you only wanna buy one, i would recommend that one but if you want two then get this one too they are both very funny but the other one is just crazy!

Hit&Miss
Eddie's Family stole the show basically.Eddie got stuck on some words far to long for me&the Documentary dragged a bit but Eddie had some cool moments.the take on Sammy Davis Jr&Bill Cosby were funny.He didn't bring it this time on Michael Jackson like He has in the past.Hit&Miss overall but the Family element section of the Routine Hit home.

Not for the faint at heart
Hands-down, the funniest stand-up comedian I have ever seen. If you are sensitive to cuss words, don't see it. Other than that, its hilarious.

Terribly Troublesome
This movie, first and foremost, is somewhat funny. Its content, however, is very questionable and highly controversial. Eddie's frequent and bothersome use of the N-word is outrageous. In the beginning of this Documentary, he rationalizes this as follows: the more I use the N-word, the lesser power it has. To me, this is quite infantile. The more you say any word, the greater power it has. This is a fact. Advertisers, for example, are fully aware of this; and that's why they bombard us with their brand names every day through billboards, frequent TV-ads, etc.
The last, but not least, controversial and bothersome issue is failure to realize the futility of physical punishment of kids by their respective parents. Eddie somewhat, believe it or not, subtly encourages parents to be tough on their kids in punishing them severely. Punishment accomplishes nothing but encourages rebellion even more. It's a proven research. Eddie himself, as well, appraises his mom for beating him inhumanely when he was a kid; and he gives her and her punishment the credit for his success. This, however, is questionable since Eddie himself mentions he was just released from prison for double-homicide. Physical punishment doesn't work. Early childhood discipline through love-colored advise and admonition is the key to bring forth fruitful young people. I am not, someway or another, one of those parents who abuse this style of discipline and end up being friends to their children and not parents. Discipline is the key word to be noticed here. These are only some of the controversial issues the movie is packed with. It's recommendable to note, if you buy the DVD, the controversial nature these issues to avoid systematic brainwashing through entertainment. Best of luck to all.

An okay movie
This movie had it's moments.I wasn't sure about renting it because "I Got The Hook Up Comedy Jam" was horrible,but this sounded funny.It was A LOT better than "I Got The Hook Up",but it wasn't as funny as I thought it would be.He uses the same two cuss words every sentence.One is the "F" word,and the other is the "N" word.It is okay for a black comedian to say the "N" word in front of a predominantly black audience,but it gets old FAST.The best part is when he plays piano.When he first went on stage,I wondered "Why is there a piano there"?Even though this isn't as good as I thought it would be,it is much better than either Jamie Foxx DVD! ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Trapped In Paradise
I'd just like to say that this movie rules, and Alvin is the best! Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz are both really awesome actors. Usually Nicolas Cage isn't my favourite, but in this movie he's cool. Most reviewers, (ones that I've seen anyways) hate Trapped in Paradise, but as you may have guessed, I don't agree with them. If you like movies, you'll like this. So rent it,now!

Not Very Funny
"Trapped in Paradise" was not a complete waste of time but it certainly wasn't a very good movie. I don't care much for Cage and Carvey, but I'm a big Jon Lovitz fan and I was disappointed that he chose to participate in this movie. It wasn't a horrible movie, it just wasn't funny. Jon Lovitz even did better in "High School High," which all in all wan't a masterpeice either but, well . . . you know. I would not blame the actors (even though they weren't funny) for the fault of its stupidity, but rather the writer. This movie's dialogue was pathetic. The movie had great potential and a good story-line but what it lacked was good dialouge. In "High School High," Jon Lovitz was involved as the star of the movie and though the story-line was poor, the dialogue was fantastic and he made the parts that he had really funny. In "Trapped in Paradise" he nor Cage and Carvey could do that because, while the story-line had potential, they weren't given "funny" characters. They never had a chance!

You'll laugh until your gut hurts!
I've been waiting patiently forever for this movie to finally come out on DVD. Nicholas Cage, John Lovitz and Dana Carvey make this movie utterly hilarious throughout. Cage plays the typical normal, logical, calculating brother of the 3. John Lovitz is the brother you can never trust and Carvey is a goofy, klepto-maniac who hardly uses any common sense. When these 3 come together in a scene it's hard to imagine something funny "not" happening. 3 Diverse and conflicting personalities make for a great comedy farse!

Not to be taken seriously, just enjoy the comedy on display!
While not a masterpiece, Trapped In Paradise in many ways masters the comedic tour de force of it's three stars Dana Carvey, Jon Lovitz, and the as always, very good Nicolas Cage. While the film got some really negative reviews, the reason why is that it's just plain stupid fun. The movie centers around Nicolas Cage, and his two brothers, once they are released from prison, the two Firpo Bros. form a plan to rob a small town friendly bank in Paradise, Pa. Their brother Bill Firpo (Nicolas Cage) decides strangely to go with them, and while not really feeling right about it, he does it any way. So when they try to rob the bank is when the movie really get's moving with the three leading men (Carvey, Lovitz, Cage). Of course this is all set during Christmas time. For those who have not seen it, if you liked Airplane! or any of The Naked Gun movies, give Trapped In Paradise a try, it's harmless movie fun.

UNDERRATED HOLIDAY MOVIE
This is actually quite a charming little holiday movie that is not well known. Nick Cage, John Lovitz and Dana Carvey play three brothers. Lovitz and Carvey just get out of prison and convince their brother to go to little Paradise, Pa during Christmas to deliver a note from a fellow inmate to his daughter.

Of course, the hidden agenda is that they know there is a bank there that is just ripe to be robbed. After convincing Brother Nick who wants to go straight, the three pull off the job.

unfortunately, a huge snow storm prevents them from getting out of town. After their car crashes, they found themselves aided and taken in by no less than the Bank President and his family.

After seeing how nice the people of Paradise are, they decide to try and put the money back. Meanwhile, a mobster inmate has escaped Prison and abducts the brothers mom as the bank job was his idea.

This is really a pretty funny movie. I've wondered why it doesn't pop up more at Christmas time as it does have a very strong Christmas spirit to it. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

I LAUGH THINKING ABOUT THIS FUNNY MOVIE
O man this is better than i expected, great chemistry bewtween jones and griffin.Griffen is HILARIUOS.Some lines in here just made me laugh and i am gonna get this dvd.I absolutley love the song when they are in the car and they dance at the petrol station, i am gonna have to get the soundtrack for that great song.
I dont know why people dont like it, i rekon it was a great comedy and a story line of whose, who?
If you are a fan of these 2 you are shore to get this, i wasnt a fan but after this i am now!
But some people have different taste so i suggest you to rent it if you are not shore or never heard of these guys but those who do i recomend this to you!

RECOMENDED

Comedic freshness...worth a look.
This film actually impressed me with its story. From reading the customer reviews I can understand how some viewers could be eluded by the plot. Typical viewers of this type film don't expect to be challenged by sophisticated plot twists and multiple "double takes". I was also impressed by the actors. Orlando Jones and Eddie Griffen are funny and work well together. Not to mention that they are fresh faced and relatively new to the silver screen.

The DVD offers extra features including a Director's Diary. Director George Gallo gives a day by day review of the production of this film which began shooting in April 2000. Complete with behind the scenes video footage.

no fun at all
Orlando Jones(Drumline, The Time Machine2002) switches places with Eddie Griffin(The New Guy, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo)..that's basically it people..then we get some good comedy but that's torn down but all the explosions and gunplay....highlight of this 1 star movie would be when Griffin is talking to the nuns..basically it..otherwise its cardboardy.

Great Movie with confusing twists
This move was amazing. Eddie Griffin(Freddie) made this movie amazing by his fast-talking and smart mouth. Orlando Jones(Daryl Chase) is the perfect man for the character for which he was portrayed. Combined, the two make a great cast of actors, and made this movie so likeable. However, even at the end of the movie I was left with a few questions about the plot. I could watch this moie over-and-over again non-stop!

What a tangled web they weave..
The first time I saw this movie, I have to admit, I was about to fall asleep. That normally doesn't happen, so I didn't think this movie was my type. However, I rented it again to give it another shot because there were some funny parts. But- Double Take is a thinking person's movie. If you don't have time to think about it and figure it out, theres only a few funny parts. But, if you enjoy movies that make you think and laugh, then try it. It also has a good cast including Orlando Jones, Eddie Griffin and one of my favorite actors- Daniel Roebuck. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

One of my top 3 all time movies
If you have been to New York in the 60's, lived there, this movie captures so much of the flavor. Another reviewer has mentioned that the protaganist is a dishonorable human being. He obviously did not see the whole movie. This movie IS about honor, about doing the right thing, even when circumstances are dire. It tells the story about what a father does for his son, that his son has no idea and appreciation for. This is not about the veneer of life, it is about the soul and substance of it. The coarse covering is easily discerned and discarded as the actors reveals the humanity of their characters. I never stop recommending this video. Splendid acting throughout. If you've left New York, and need a refresher, this is it. The mob figures in the movie, but as a backdrop. This is not a "mob" movie, but a movie about "family", and real people. Frank Pesce (who wrote the movie) plays his own brother "The cop". Based on a true story. Check it out, then come here and tell others.

A Fantastic Film In Every Sense Of The Word
Where does one begin on such an extraordinary movie? 29th Street has everything; comedy, drama, fantastic acting, memorable characters, Christmas, the mafia and the most amazing part is that not one iota of it is forced or crammed inside to attract a certain demographic. Every character and scenario plays off each other in a seemingly natural manner and the end result is a movie that has you laughing throughout and has you at near tears towards the end. It's the film equivalent of watching a real family deal with their problems and triumphs.

First, the story revolves around Frank Pesce, an ambitious kid with huge dreams of being known for something remarkable. The problem lies in his lack of wanting to make it happen and more or less wanting it to fall in his lap. He basically skates though life unscathed after a series of very near misses, ranging from his getting stabbed in a bad neighborhood actually being the event that saves his life from a deadly disease to butting heads with a dangerous mafia don in an attempt to save his unlucky father's neck from being put on the chopping block. Amidst all of the chaos that he seems to shrug his shoulders at, he purchases a lone lottery ticket for the first New York State Lottery along with a cheap pair of binoculars from a second hand store so he can cash a measly check and ends up becoming one of the finalists while his unlucky father collects them for months and comes up short.

The acting is comprised of stars that get little by way of mainstream recognition but any true film fan will profess their undying admiration for them. The unambitious kid turned umbitious adult is masterfully portrayed by Anthony LaPaglia who has to this day become a major star but was more than deserving after this film. Danny Aiello, who already tops my list of greatest actors to ever walk the Earth, turns out my absolute favorite character ever in Frank Pesce Sr., the unlucky father who; despite being overworked and underpaid, remains optimistic that one day, everything will work out for the best. His simple wants and needs in life is a stark contrast to the overindulgent world we live in and his range of emotion is as powerful and believable as they are unmatched by the majority of Hollywood's hacks that get much more underserved recognition. Lani Kazaan is the ying to Danny Aiello's yang as Mrs. Pesce and she has the frustrated mother who outwardly protests being the homemaker on the surface but underneath it all, loves her husband and family more than enough to play that role and do it well down path. Like the rest of the main characters, her character feels so real that you want to reach into your television and touch them.

Being not-quite-a-drama and not-quite-a-comedy without a lot of physical "action", the dialogue is left to really move the story forward and the absolutely flawless script flows from each character's mouth so effortlessly that it's almost nauseating that this film never won an Academy Award. Never before have I watched a film not directed by Martin Scorsese have I been floored how the words add so much color to the overall piece. You cannot help but laugh at the frankness of evrey word spoken, especially if you have an ounce of Italian blood in you. It's almost like being at a family reunion.

If you EVER get the opportunity to rent or buy this movie, do so. Calling it a mesh of "Goodfellas" and "It's A Wonderful Life" hits the nail on the head with deadly accuracy. You will feel equally at home watching this during an at-home mafia movie fest or after unwrapping gifts on Christmas.

It's not a LOSER!
This movie should be a regular holiday classic right along side "It's a Wonderful Life". I love the colorful language and if you see it on normal TV, you're not getting the true movie.
This movie is so good, like others have said, it's got a little bit of everything. If you have an ounce of italian blood in you and grew up anywhere in the Northeast and you have not seen this movie, you're missing out. What upsets me is that you can't find it to rent in most Blockbusters/video stores anymore and it's very hard to find on VHS for purchase. Hopefully they will make this in DVD format someday soon. If you get the chance to see it, you won't be disappointed.

A wonderful "little gem" of a movie
I saw this movie on cable, only one time, several years ago (at least six years, maybe more) and have NEVER forgotten it. It is truly a memorable experience. I do hope it will be released on DVD. It was obviously a 'sleeper' at the box office and didn't make much of a splash on cable, but it deserves a much wider audience as is attested by the 23+ perfect five-star reviews here on Amazon.com...

Danny Aiello is an actor who deserves much more recognition than he ordinarily gets. His style is so natural, that I think some people believe that he IS who he plays. In the case of "29th Street", Aiello owned the character of the father. He was exasperating, pushy and abrasive, but always totally believable. There can really be no better tribute to an actor than to be able to say this.

It is also a fine early role by Anthony LaPaglia who was very sympathetic in his frustrations at dealing with his father. The interactions of the family plus the almost fairytale quality of the script was a great part of what made this such a wonderful movie. I highly recommend this and want to see it again.

Take a walk! ...To 29th Street
"It costs one dollar to make a peetz and you spend 7 bucks! It's a waste of money," quotes Danny Aiello. I can't tell you how many times I heard logic like that in my house when I wanted to treat myself to some "take-out" cuisine as opposed to cooking myself. Aiello has that ability to make you completely beleive his character is REAL and he doesn't get enough credit. Whether he is playing a slimebag gangster ("A Brooklyn State of Mind"), a hard-headed pizza owner ("Do The Right Thing"), or a poor hard-working family man ("29th Street"), he is doing it with his Italian charm and giving the audience a lot to discuss. His character of Frank Pesce Sr. in "29th Street" is one who seems to get all the bad luck, and his son played by Anthony LaPaglia as Frank Pesce Jr. is the one with all the good luck. To some degree. The father-son chemistry is dynamic and the film is a real life docudrama based on the first New York state lotto drawing back in the late 1970's and every character in this flick--including the REAL Frank Pesce Jr. are all portrayed with heart and New York Italian-American charm. Like "Moonstruck," this movie is about an Italian family in an old neighborhood, struggling between a modern world and old fashioned attitudes. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" did the same for Greeks however there is no Mafia backdrop in "Greek Wedding" of course, for obvious reasons. The mom from "Greek Wedding" co-stars as the mom in this. She's pretty good with ethnic roles. Anyone will love this movie, there are many surprises and what-ifs and many things to talk about with your viewing partner. A good movie to watch around the holidays and one that although like I said does have "mob scenes," they are more of a reference point used to compare the 9-5 lifestyle and the "other life" much like "A Bronx Tale" did. The best part of the flick is when Aiello and his two sons are standing outside of the house and a tow truck comes to bring back their "lost" car. I won't divulge much about the details of this film, you have to watch it for yourself to really get a feel for the simple pleasures of it all. I'm waiting for this gem to be released on DVD. One of my favorites. ... Read more