July 26, 1996
Video
Recent Movies

TWO BITS

Review by Melissa Pierson

TWO BITS Al Pacino, Jerry Barone (1995, Miramax, PG-13, priced for rental) If the video biz adhered to a strict truth-in-advertising code, Two Bits would sit on a lamentably long shelf labeled "Sentimental Swindles." Bits moves tediously through a Depression-era day in the life of 12-year-old Gennaro (the uninteresting Barone), which also happens to be the last day of life for his beloved grandpa (Pacino, who should really stick to action dramas). All Gennaro wants is a quarter to go to the new movie palace; unfortunately for us, he has to slog through some life lessons first. Until there's a law saying this kind of stuff shouldn't be sold as affecting nostalgia, caveat emptor. D+