By Joe Vannicola.
Until I watched Dough Boys tonight must confess, I had pretty much written off MTI Home Video. I had waded my way through so many wretched films, I began using their DVDS as drink coasters; at least they served some useful purpose if not as entertainment.
With Dough Boys however, MTI has finally got itself a tiger by the tail. This labor of love from the talented hands of director/star Louis Lombardi tells the story of two brothers,Frank and Lou who own a family bakery located in The Bronx. Frank (Gaetano Iacono), who remains in the bakery solely out of respect for his deceased father wants to sell his share of the business to his less than responsible brother Lou(Louis Lombardi) and move to Florida with his pregnant wife to start up an occupation other than baking.
Unbeknownst to him, Lou,a most unlucky gambler,is in hock up to his neck to a loan shark named Mr.Gregerio, (superbly played with quiet menace by Al Messina) to the tune of a hundred thousand dollars. He goes to the bank, forges Franks name and closes out their joint account. On his way back to the bakery, Lou has the money stolen from him while betting on a traveling card game.
Gregerio tells Lou that if the debt isn't paid by eight o'clock that night, he'll be the bakery's new owner. At first Frank is furious with his brother for not only stealing his half of their business account, but for also being so deeply in debt to a loan shark like Gregerio. However, their family bond is unbreakable, together they get through this seemingly insurmountable situation along with a little help from their neighbors and friends.
Dough Boys message of family and community set within the framework of The Bronx neighborhood where filmmaker/actor Louis Lombardi grew up isn't simply a Italian movie or a New York City movie. It's theme of brotherhood and community touches a universal chord that anyone can readily identify with no matter where you live in or what nationality you are. And many of us have a brother like Lou, lovable yet someone who has yet to take his seat on the responsibility train.
This movie is by turns funny, serious and heartwarming. In other words it's a pure delight. And aside from some mild profanity, no overly vulgar swear were employed or f bombs gratuitously dropped. How refreshing in this day and age to make a film about real people in a real situation the entire family can enjoy that isn't syrupy or Disneyish.
What a shame that this marvelous low budget gem wasn't released to theatres where it belongs to be showcased in. With good production values, an involving storyline and a uniformly fine cast, Dough Boys should prove to be a video rental champion. As for me, I can't wait to see what Louis Lombardi does next. Take my word, if his next movie is anything like this one, it'll be a knockout.
MTI Home Video, you should be proud. This winner is definitely a feather is your cap.
