Search - Dominick and Eugene on DVD

A Heartfelt Tear Jerker with Terrific Performances

Jose R. Perez | Yonkers, NY USA | 11/16/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"WOW. If you've never seen this movie, grab a hankie, or a box of them, and be prepared to be touched through your soul. Ray Liotta proves why he is one of our generation's best actors, while Tom Hulce impresses in a way he hasn't done since "Amadeus." I'm one of those folks who absolutely hated the heart string pulls of "Terms of Endearment" which I found manipulative in a not-so-good-way. This flick, in comparison, never works against the viewer, by making us choose a "bad guy" or be antagonistic towards the victim. Therein lies its beauty - this tale of two brothers refuses to victimize either one of them and is therefore startling in its effectiveness. Critics panned the flick during an era where grown men could not cry and get away with it. Today, the message is just as powerful, only men CAN cry without being labeled as anything less than men. This story of two men whose lives are eternally tied together despite their own challenges, hopes and dreams, is a valentine to brotherhood, fraternity and family. In these times of war, "Dominick and Eugene" reminds us what it means to be a family. A wonderful movie you will treasure forever. Just keep the hankies on hand since you're bound to use them."

Brotherly Love and a Great Story

Peter Prainito | Lombard, IL USA | 11/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a movie that will leave you changed. A story about two brothers, Dominick (Hulce) a slow-witted garbageman with a heart of gold who supports his Med School brother Eugene (Liotta). These superb actors draw you into their relationship so convincingly that you feel you're witnessing a real life drama instead of a movie. Eugene's love for Dominick is handled with dignity and sensitivity, as he constantly tries to balance his brother's needs with his own. There are so many nuances and revelations in this story that I fear that I can spoil it if I reveal too much of it. Suffice it to say, the purpose of my review is to whet the appetite of the reader without spoiling their dinner. This movie has a lot to say and does so brillantly. Both Hulce and Liotta should have been oscar winners for their performances in this film. Tom Hulce has to be one of the most underrated actors; his performance in "Amadeus" was also brilliant. In that film, he and F. Murray Abraham (best actor) should have both won as best actors. "Dominick and Eugene" is a film that deserves to be owned, it certainly will will get frequent viewings. Highly Recommended!"

Guys, don't get the wrong idea about this movie...

Peter Prainito | 10/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At the time I'm writing this review this film has an average customer rating of 5 stars: perfect, in other words. Is it really that good? Yes, it is really that good. The DVD looks to be without extras of any sort, but it's not that kind of movie anyway.
It is also not a sappy, movie-of-the-week type melodrama, although it would be easy to get that impression. The writing is sharp and sometimes very funny. The cast is terrific, with Jamie Lee Curtis and Todd Graff in supporting parts and the wonderful David Strathairn in a small but key role. Tom Hulce is great as Nicky, but Eugene is in many ways the more difficult part and Ray Liotta is subtle, charismatic and sometimes a little scary as a man with a lot more on his mind than is immediately apparent...
Which brings me to my final point, that this is a subtle, even sneaky film, and it's almost impossible to tell you what's best about it without giving too much away. You could watch the first hour and only have a few hints of what it's really about, but then the film's real subject matter surfaces, suddenly and violently, leading to a climactic confrontation between the brothers which tests both of them and redefines their relationship forever.
And that's about all a spoiler-free review can say, except that this is exactly the kind of movie guys tend to avoid, and a movie every man should see."

Loved it

Brianna | New Jersey | 04/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just saw this movie like last night. It was on one of the movie channels, encore. Wow, this has to be either my second or third favorite movie (Rain Man being the first then Stand by Me). First of all, I'm 13 years old, and I love like all old movies from the 70s and 80s. Anyway, this is about two brothers, Dominick who's brain damaged, and Eugene who's studying to become a surgeon. It's such a great movie, and it will make you laugh and cry. I recammend this to young and old alike."