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Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Jerry Barone, Al Pacino, Joe Grifasi, Joanna Merlin ... see more see more... , Andy Romano , Alec Baldwin , Rosemary De Angelis , Ron McLarty , Donna Mitchell , Mary Lou Rosato , Glenn Daniels , Gerlando Barone , Patrick Borriello , Joey Perillo

This nostalgic drama is based upon the childhood memories of screenwriter Joseph Stefano. Set in South Philadelphia in 1933 it centers on both a wise grandfather, and his single-minded grandson. The f... read more read more...ilm opens in a garden on a beautiful day. In the garden is the Italian grandpa telling anyone who will listen that this is his final day of life. No one really believes that, especially not 12-year-old Gennaro who is more interested in finding a quarter so he can go to the grand opening of the brand new La Paloma theater. The grandfather promises the boy that he will receive the money after he dies. The child doesn't believe this and so begins his own search for two bits. Along the way he has many adventures. Towards the end, the grandfather asks the boy to deliver a message to a woman he wronged many years before. He wants her forgiveness before he dies. In the end, Gennaro learns a valuable lesson about life. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

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53% liked it

1,642 ratings

Critics

40% liked it

10 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 25 min.

Directed by: James Foley

Release Date: November 22, 1995

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DVD Release Date: October 8, 2002

Stats: 65 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (65)

  • michaelcorleone
    January 24, 2009
    michaelcorleone
    Although this movie gets off to a weak start and is fairly uneven throughout, it has enough heart and a strong enough plot that it won me over. Although subtly so, this is a relatively dark film that approaches the coming-of-age formula in a unique way. The acting is far from bri... read morelliant overall, but Pacino's supporting performance is the exception. His character portrait is so moving and vivid, I believe he deserved an Oscar nomination.
  • ualush
    July 2, 2007
    ualush
    Slowly knocking off the last few Pacino movies I've not seen. This was a good movie, unlike most movies you think of with an actor like Pacino; doesn't mean he can't perform them though. In short the movie is about a boy and his dream, with his dying grandfather (Pacino) guiding ... read morehim and telling him to always want and never give up. Pacino's character is pretty much the opposite of most of his, none of his patented deep pissed voice, not even a whole lot of camera time, he is more the supporting actor. But a small moving story that I enjoyed.

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Critic Reviews

Mike Clark
January 1, 2000
Mike Clark, USA Today

If King of the Hill couldn't draw patrons despite appearing on tons of 10-best lists, what's a comparably themed small-change remembrance gonna do?

Chuck O'Leary
September 28, 2005
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily

Al Pacino gives a touching performance as a dying old man in this sensitive little film.

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
August 21, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

Bittersweet coming-of-age tale about sexuality, love, loss, and forgiveness. Full Review

Chris Hicks
January 1, 2000
Chris Hicks, Deseret News, Salt Lake City

It obviously has its moments, but most of the way this is pretty tepid stuff. We've seen it all before. Full Review

Todd McCarthy
March 26, 2009
Todd McCarthy, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Stephen Holden
May 20, 2003
Stephen Holden, New York Times

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Mick LaSalle
June 18, 2002
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

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February 13, 2001
Los Angeles Times

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Susan Stark
January 1, 2000
Susan Stark, Detroit News

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James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

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Two Bits Trivia

  • In Zorro, The Gay Blade, what does Bunny (George Hamilton) say just before he rescues his twin brother Ramon (also George Hamilton) at the end of the movie?  Answer »
  • Al Pacino was in the film 'Two Bits ' as Gitano Sabatoni.  Answer »
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