It is August 26, 1933, in an Italian American neighbourhood in South Philadelphia. A hot summer’s day, the depression has hit everyone hard, with even the local church double booking weddings and funerals to hilariously devastating results.

12 year old Ginaro Spirito (Jerry Barone) desires to attend the re-opening of the La Paloma movie theatre, who are selling tickets for half price before 6 o’clock. Ginaro’s grandfather Gitano Sabatoni (Al Pacino) has promised him an inheritance of 25 cents when he passes on. But Ginaro feels both guilty and pressed for time in accepting such a gift.

Well aware that his single mother Luisa (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) only has enough from welfare payments to purchase the essentials, Ginaro scrurries around the neighbourhood trying to raise two bits (25 cents) so he can purchase a ticket. Along the way he will confront various people and events, always returning to his grandfather for guidance. In turn, Ginaro helps his dying grandfather’s fulfil his last wish: forgiveness for a past sin.       

While it should not be referred to as a heart warming tale in the family friendly vein (it contains too many dark over tones such as suicide and child abuse), Two Bits is a fine coming of age drama written by Psycho scribe Joseph Stefano, who deviated from the world of horror to write a very personal screenplay. 

James Foley does a good job directing this strong character piece which, although well intentioned, does have the tendency to be a little too sickly sweet.

The use of smoky white light during the scenes with Ginaro and Gitano is very effective, but clashes with the harsh reality of the depression that these people were living in, and contributes to the shaky tone of the film.     

The young Jerry Barone gives a good leading performance, as does the glorious Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.

The film’s best performance, though, belongs to Al Pacino as the frail old Gitano. In a semi-rare character driven supporting role, Pacino has stated that he evoked memories of his own grandfather (who practically raised him) while getting into character. It is a touching performance that is not mentioned enough when it comes to his filmography. Alec Baldwin provides narration as the older Ginaro.