Two Bits (1995)

User Rating:

6.2/10   

Director:

James Foley

Writer (WGA):

Joseph Stefano (written by)

Release Date:

22 November 1995 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

You're never too old to believe in a dream. Or too young to make one come true!

Plot:

It's a hot summer day in 1933 in South Philly, where 12-year old Gennaro lives with his widowed mom and his ailing grandpa...

Plot Keywords:

Grandfather | Suicide By Hanging | Confession | Grandfather Grandson Relationship | Cinema

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Jerry Barone	...	Gennaro Spirito
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio	...	Luisa Spirito
Al Pacino	...	Gitano Sabatoni
Patrick Borriello	...	Tullio
Andy Romano	...	Dr. Bruna
Donna Mitchell	...	Mrs. Bruna
Mary Lou Rosato	...	Aunt Carmela
Joe Grifasi	...	Uncle Joe
Rosemary De Angelis	...	Mrs. Conte
Ron McLarty	...	Irish
Charley Scalies	...	Ballyhoo Driver
Joanna Merlin	...	Guendolina
Geoffrey Pierson	...	Dr. Wilson (as Geoff Pierson)
Karen Shallo	...	Woman in Red
Nick Discenza	...	Father of Deceased

Also Known As:

A Day to Remember

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some traumatic thematic elements.

Runtime:

85 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Singapore:PG | Germany:12 | Portugal:M/12 | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Company:

Connexion Film Productions

Trivia:

Al Pacino appeared in the film as a personal favor to director 'James Foley' because he had a great time working with him on Glengarry Glen Ross (1992).

Quotes:

Gitano Sabatoni: Ohhh... you stopped wanting. Ahhh, not needing.
Gennaro: What's the difference?
Gitano Sabatoni: Hey, it's all the difference in the world. Your belly needs. Your heart wants. That's the difference.

Movie Connections:

Features Top Hat (1935)

3 Cheers for 2 Bits, 1 Great Movie

This movie is beautifully done. It is one of my favorites. It is a glimpse at another time. It is a movie about values. The whole movie is about one big day in the life of a boy growing up in the depression in Philadelphia and the wisdom his grandfather passes on. It is a touching and rewarding movie. The hopelessness of the depression comes out effectively in the movie. Gennaro and Tullio are just ordinary kids that aren't perfect. There is an interesting interplay between a child's honest selfishness and the relationship between wanting and needing. Pacino: "Your heart wants, your belly needs." Wanting is good because it requires hope. Many touching lines between Pacino (grandfather) and Barone (Gennaro). There is some humor also. Favorite line: Gennaro- "There's no milk!" See it and find out why I liked that line!