This is a wonderful film, that deals with the challenges of ethnic stereotypes and the cultural biases that go with them. Stereotypes are a definite by-product of culture, yet for the most part, usually the worst expressions of a particular culture. In adhering to our birth culture we invariably absorb certain stereotypes, and biases, without even realizing it. People therefore become stereotypical to a greater or lesser degree, depending upon their independence of thought, and self-awareness. The less independent minded, or self aware we are, the more stereotypical we may become.Two Family House is a very well-crafted drama, involving interactions between, an Italian couple, an Irish couple, and an anonymous African American man. The chain of events triggered by their interaction, gives birth to a beautiful love story involving the Italian husband of one couple, and the Irish wife and her child, of the other. Challenged by events that pushes them to the limits of their respective cultural sensibilities, the film portrays how these individuals for various reasons, either succumb to, or transcend, the biases, they were born into. The beauty of the movie is that it shows that through tremendous effort and resolve, it's quite possible to break free of cultural stereotypes, and the irrational hate, that invariably goes with them.

Well, football is over, so I caught this on an early Sunday evening watching HBO. Never heard of it, and I honestly don't know how I started watching it - just flipping around I guess and I heard an Irish accent, so I watched for a bit. Turned out to be a very good movie, not a great movie, but interesting nonetheless. Michael Rispoli wins you over with his Italian nice-guy performance, and Kelly MacDonald is wonderful (for some reason reminded me of Donna Reed in It's a Wonderful life). Really, this was just a slice of life picture with some characters that were interesting and compelling. I know this isn't a really great review I'm writing here - I guess I just want to say that if you come upon the movie, give it a chance. It's not going to change your life, but you'll probably talk about with anyone you see who happened to see it to, and that's always a good thing.

"Two Family House" tells the story of a 1950's Staten Island man (Rispoli) who finds that the road from dreams to reality is paved with difficulty but leads to happiness. A cute little romantic comedy with a big heart, "TFH" makes some big points about the importance of being true to one's own conscience above all else as it spins its simple tale. Well received by critics, "TFH" is an enjoyable watch with a message for everyone mature enough for a mild R rating.

***POSSIBLE SPOLIER**I remember reading good reviews for this little film but never got a chance to see it in the theatre. But we rented it recently and enjoyed it very much. Full of real characters with real emotions and real conflicts, the movie moves along at a nice pace with some real twists and surprises along the way. Terrific performances (especially from the lead - Michael Rispoli - who can be over the top at times in other films or just give wonderfully layered performances - like on the Sopranos or his work as a priest in The Third Miracle). I also really enjoyed how a fake Hollywood ending wasn't tacked on. If a BIG star had been in this or a HUGE studio had been behind it, they would have insisted that he become a BIG star at the end and sells millions of records. Nope, all that happens is he follows his heart and ends up happy and content. Pretty darned cool.