A Wake In Providence (R) :
A Wake In Providence is not the most brilliant movie ever made. But it does have a nice blend of comedy and drama that you will enjoy watching. The film aims for a light social satire, and does succeed to a certain extent.
The story revolves around Anthony, (Vincent Pagano) a struggling actor in Hollywood, who is called home to Providence for his grandfather’s funeral. His girlfriend Alissa (Victoria Rowell) decides that this would be the perfect time for her to meet Anthony’s extended family. The fact that Alissa is black is going to be a big surprise for Anthony’s family. Expectedly, she is greeted by hostility and frozen smiles.
Pagano in particular does a fine job of playing straight man to the family madness around him. It’s the family’s eccentricity that makes the movie fun, and helps to hold up the film during the dull patches. Anthony's grandmother (Kaye Kingston) tells Alissa that she's not Italian and therefore not welcome. Another relative asks that everyone at the dinner table vote on whether to accept Alissa, with Alissa sitting there. Alissa then accuses Anthony of being ashamed of their relationship. She is upset that he didn't tell his relatives about her earlier.
This is film about family, and about how families make us crazy. But it still has a very soft spot for this kind of lunacy. It portrays some universal truths about dealing with families. Overall, it is quite hilarious, and full of funny situations. You can definitely consider seeing it once.
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