His latest scam idea: pulling one over on the casinos that, with their technology, have put a leash on his abilities. That is until his estranged and mentally challenged son, Joe Jr. (Thomas Guiry), moves in with him. Desperately needing money to send Joe Jr. to an upscale school for kids with Down Syndrome, Yonkers Joe decides to try his luck in Las Vegas. However, somewhere between New York and Las Vegas, after a few anger outbursts and amidst plans to dupe the “eye in the sky,” Joe realizes something: He loves his son very much.
Remember Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise in Rain Man? Well, in my opinion, Palminteri outshines Cruise (many of you may not agree with me).
Academy Award-winner Christine Lahti, Golden Globe-nominee Linus Roache and Academy Award-nominee Michael Lerner provide Palminteri’s character with amazing supporting roles.
Grade: B
Yonkers Joe releases in select theaters Jan. 9.