Customer Reviews

Lost in Yonkers

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mercedes Reuhel as an eccentric auntie and Irene Worth as miserable granny steal the show from nominal star Richard Dreyfuss. There's nothing wrong with Dreyfuss's performance, in fact he's very funny as a George Raft style gangster reined in by the domestic prison of his family. It's just that the aforementioned ladies are SO good that you are constantly watching them to see what they will do next.

This wartime story centres round two boys whose father sends them to live with their grandmother so he can repay a debt. There's an air of tragedy throughout this comic film. The debt is the hospital expenses of the boys' dead mother, and much of the film is spent dwelling on this and other deaths in the family. But Neil Simon does it so well, and the comedic moments do not in any way lessen the impact of the more melancholy scenes. The screenplay was adapted by Simon from his own play and it shows, with almost all scenes set in Grandma's house. But this does not detract from what is a very well made, enjoyable movie.

This movie was a wonderful movie version of Neil Simons play of the same name. Mercedes Reuhl as sweet if not simple Bella was stunning. Richard Dreyfuss played a classic fast-talking ganster. Jay and Arty were portrayed perfectly, while I was even afraid of the grandmother. The chillingly sad atmosphere of the play is brightened by Bella's never ending kindness and Arty's wonderful one liners.

Though not as true to the play as it could have been, for a movie adaption, it was very well done.

Lost in Yonkers is one of those movies that grabs you and keeps you making faces, crying and routing for the good guys; in this case a couple of kids and their Aunt Belle. My wife and I haven't enjoyed a movie this much in quite awhile and we watch at least two movies each night. Richard Dryfus is his usual fantastic self and Belle and the 'grandma' are superb - past subperb, and, as a matter of fact the whole movie is so well acted it becomes obvious why it was a hit on Broadway. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE - no blood and gore; no blatent sex; no car chases nor burning buildings but just the best darn movie you'd ever hope to see!

This movie is great! The characters' eccentricities all come together perfectly. Mercedes Ruehl and Irene Worth, who were both in Neil Simon's broadway production, were just as great, if not better, in this film. One thing I have always liked about film as opposed to plays is that the characters don't always have to speak loudly. In dramatic parts of this movie, especially parts between Grandma and Bella, the dialogue is much softer, adding to its sincerity. It really adds more to the scene. This movie really brings out the talents of not-so-well-known actors like Susan Merson, Mike Damus, Brad Stoll and Jack Laufer. I highly recommend seeing this movie at least once. Chances are you'll probably want to see it again.

Keep this one on hand for after you've watched a 'heavy' movie and are feeling a bit down because of it. The interaction between the grandmother and her two grandsons who are dropped off so their father can see about a job is fantastic. The grandmother seems 'stern' beyond belief and the young boys are terrified of her, but they are able to discover her hidden layers. There is a touching scene between the dimwitted 'Bella' and her mother that you won't want to miss.
Chrissy K. McVay - Author

This briliant adaptation of the Neil Simon play was filmed on the very street where I live. Mercedes Rheul and Richard Dreyfuss are stunning in their roles as are 'grandma' and the boy. For me, the warm feelings are enhanced seeing familiar sites, but what stands out most of all is the characters and their touching humanity. The DVD version is a must see bringing more scope to what was already a wonderful film.

Neil Simon's autobiographical play (Lost in Yonkers, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Blioxi Blues, etc.) are wonderfully witty and tragic at times. The balance between them makes his works entertaining and poignant at the same time. Many of his plays have been produced in a theatrical form and do not carry the same weight.

Lost in Yonkers tells the story of two young brothers left with their loony aunt and hardened grandmother for 10 months while their father is making the money to repay a debt during WWII. The characters all have their quirks from Grandma's ability to hear through walls, Aunt Ella's innocent outlook on life, and Artie's timing and wit (reflective of Simon himself).

Unfortunately, this DVD shows only the movie. There are no additional extras and because this review is rating the entire DVD and not just the film itself, I would take off a half star. Although the movie is good, the play is great. Simon wrote for the stage and it can never be captured by cameras. It is still a good addition to your library as everybody can relate to Neil Simon.

Fun and whimsical play by Neil Simon is not as good as his previous plays but has the charm in spades by three great performances by Mercedes Ruehi, who is a gem in her role, Richard Dreyfuss is a great hoot as well and Irene Worth is magnificent as the grandmother. If you are looking for a great movie with a lot of charm, this is it.

Neil Simon has finally done it! This is a wonderful movie. I'ts comedy and drama in one movie. You laugh at Richard Dreyfusses character and you are feel sorry for Mercedes Ruehl's character and you are angry at Irene Worth's character. This movie brings out everybody's emotions. This movie is destined to be a classic. You must see this movie to believe it's power of emotion.

We rented this movie and after that we knew we had to own it. It is a brilliant adaptation of the Neal Simon play and my whole family has watched it hundreds of times. It takes you through a roller coaster of emotions it has you laughing and crying, cheering for the young boys, feeling a little sorry for the aunt, and you feel good when you are done. I recommend it for anyone. You will love it.