Lost in Yonkers (1993)

69% of critics liked it
(16 reviews)
70% of users liked it
(2,388 ratings)

An adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning, semi-autobiographical stage play by popular dramatist Neil Simon, this comedy-drama focuses on the difficulties faced by two young brothers forced to live with a group of eccentric relatives. Arty (Mike Damus) and Jay (Brad Stoll) are young teenagers when… More An adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning, semi-autobiographical stage play by popular dramatist Neil Simon, this comedy-drama focuses on the difficulties faced by two young brothers forced to live with a group of eccentric relatives. Arty (Mike Damus) and Jay (Brad Stoll) are young teenagers when their their widower father heads South to seek work, leaving the boys with their stern, intimidating grandmother (Irene Worth). Also part of the household is the more likable Aunt Bella (Mercedes Ruehl), an odd duck with a scattered personality and childlike enthusiasm that make her seem more like a fellow kid than an adult. Bella is kept under close watch by Grandma, who reacts strongly when she attempts to show her independence, leaving Arty and Jay as witnesses to a conflict that could tear the family apart. Lost in Yonkers offers much of Simon's trademark humor with a more bittersweet feel than in most of the playwright's other work, thanks in large part to the performance by Ruehl, who reprises her Tony Award-winning role as the troubled but cheerful Bella. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 49 min.
Directed By: Martha Coolidge
Written By: Neil Simon
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: May 14, 1993 Wide
On DVD: Jun 11, 2002
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Shawn Bowers, Kansas City Star
A good example of fleshing out a single set play into a film would be Steel Magnolias...Yonkers just doesn't pull it off.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Mercedes Ruehl's exuberent performance gives this family drama its staying power.
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum
Not that bad, but seems a bit lost.

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Featured Audience Ratings

moon r

Two young boys spend a coming-of-age season in the home of their paternal grandma; that's what Neil Simon's story pretends to be about, but only blink and beneath that is a reworking of nothing less than "Now Voyager" and its redemptive telling of a child… More
Two young boys spend a coming-of-age season in the home of their paternal grandma; that's what Neil Simon's story pretends to be about, but only blink and beneath that is a reworking of nothing less than "Now Voyager" and its redemptive telling of a child blossoming from under the restrictive wings of an unloving parent. Pretty engaging stuff, with Mercedes Ruehl doing a phenomenal job in Bette Davis' sizeable shadow.
Randy T

This film is one of my guilty pleasures. I love it but I'm not sure I want the rest of the world to know that. I've seen this picture several times and I never tire of the performances. Dreyfuss is exceptional, Mercedes Ruehl is WONDERFUL, but its the younger actors, Brad… More
This film is one of my guilty pleasures. I love it but I'm not sure I want the rest of the world to know that. I've seen this picture several times and I never tire of the performances. Dreyfuss is exceptional, Mercedes Ruehl is WONDERFUL, but its the younger actors, Brad Stoll and Mike Damus, that steal the show. It might not be great cinema but it sure is fun to watch.
Dannielle A

The play version is better, but Neil Simon did a good job making this screenplay and the casting was great. The actors are excellent in this flick.
Leo L

Fantastic!