Lost In Yonkers (1993)

Set in 1942, after the death of their mother, two young boys (Brad Stoll, Mike Damus) are sent to live temporarily with their stern German grandmother (Irene Worth) and their mentally challenged Aunt Bella (Mercedes Ruehl). Based on the play by Neil Simon (who adapted his play for the screen) and directed by Martha Coolidge (RAMBLING ROSE). Simon's play was a great success on Broadway receiving a Pulitzer Prize for drama and four Tony awards. I've not seen Simon's play but judging from the film version, it didn't transition well to the screen. It seems contrived with the two adolescents tossing off Simon's wisecracks like 40 year olds rather than real kids. As the gang henchman Uncle, Richard Dreyfuss overacts alarmingly. The whole movie just comes off as a coarse exercise. The film's redeeming features are Ruehl and Worth recreating their stage roles. They're both excellent and better than the material they're given. With David Strathairn and Susan Merson.