Fatso

There are some comedians in film that are better known for their supporting roles than the starring pieces that they performed in. Dom DeLuise is definitely one of those actors. The films that he did where he was the lead actor were few and far between, and in the grand scheme of things in Hollywood he just didn't pull in the money numbers that the studios would have liked. But movies like this one are a gem all on it's own, with wonderful performances from the entire cast and a story that touches your heart every moment it gets.
When his cousin dies from being overweight Dominick's sister pushes him into losing weight before it's too late, but when he meets a new store owner on the block food just doesn't seem important any more. Written and directed by Anne Bancroft we're given an insight into the world from the point of view of a man trying to fight his weight problem and all the issues that come along with it. With Ron Carey playing DeLuise's brother the audience is able to see the chemistry between these two and how they seem to fuel each others fire in the situations. The film also shows the closeness of an Italian family in crisis, how the concept of family goes beyond brothers, sisters and cousins they just use the word family to encompass them all and no matter what the issues come up they'll be there to help.
With all of the news reports about Americans being overweight this story has more in common with today's society than when it was released in 1980. Even though this is a comedy there's more drama than funny stuff and the comedy that is there is isn't slap stick a lot of it makes you think about what's really going on. If you've never heard or seen this film you should check it out, its funny, heart warming and by the end you'll see the comedy in the real life situations that are around you every day.