Yonkers Joe 2009

In a realm where small-time con artists and dice hustlers reign supreme, Joe’s life is filled with the exhilarating thrill of the game alongside his friends. Despite the stability brought upon by his long-term partner, Janice Lahti, it is his son Joe Jr. Guiry, who has Down syndrome, that complicates his world. As the residential facility prepares to discharge Joe Jr. due to age, Joe faces the daunting reality of bringing his son home and the immense responsibility that comes with it.

Navigating this new chapter in life, Joe confronts the various challenges associated with Joe Jr.’s unique needs. His son’s difficulties with anger management and impulsive behavior not only lead to outbursts but also to physical confrontations, leaving Joe feeling increasingly overwhelmed about how to support him. In the midst of these mounting pressures, Joe starts recognizing that he may not possess the capabilities to care for Joe Jr. by himself, igniting a desire for a big score in Vegas that suddenly seems so much more alluring.

The bond Joe Jr. shares with Joe’s crew is deep and profound, often displaying more affection than Joe himself can muster. Meanwhile, Janice finds an unlikely ally in Joe Jr., offering invaluable emotional support during this turbulent time. As underlying tensions simmer between Joe and his son, they set their sights on a potential trip to Vegas, hoping to hustle the casinos and hit it big.

The stakes significantly rise when Joe Jr.’s impulsivity triggers a troubling incident involving Janice, leaving all three of them deeply affected. As reality unfolds, it becomes abundantly clear that they cannot manage Joe Jr.’s needs independently, leading them to seek professional assistance. With his son’s future precariously hanging in the balance, Joe is forced to confront the difficult choices that lie ahead for his family’s well-being.

As the roulette of fate spins vigorously, Joe becomes increasingly aware of the eyes watching the shooter’s roll. Recognizing an opportunity, he recruits Joe Jr. to demonstrate a cunning trick to Stanley and Janice. They cleverly show how a subtle partner seated across the table can seamlessly introduce a second weighted die, heightening their chances of victory at the craps table. Although Stanley is initially onboard with this audacious plan, his fear of capture and the loss of his business leads him to withdraw. In a twist, Joe Jr. proposes an alternative approach that prompts Joe to cautiously agree.

As they launch their scheme amidst the bustling backdrop of a casino floor, each member of the team takes their shot at the craps table. Joe Jr.’s first attempt at executing the trick, however, meets resistance from a keen-eyed casino employee, who politely directs him to leave. While Joe Jr. exits the precinct, the rest of the crew enjoys the fruits of their labor with the weighted dice, managing to avoid suspicion. Celebrations soon turn dismal when Joe Jr. vanishes unexpectedly, triggering a desperate search that culminates in Joe discovering his son at a secluded bus stop on the fringes of town. The situation escalates when it becomes evident that Joe Jr. had reached out to the manager of the residential facility, apologizing for previous misconduct. Faced with the gut-wrenching dilemma of having his son returned to the facility until a group home is available six months later, Joe experiences a wave of conflicting emotions, ultimately leading him to a poignant farewell with his son.

Upon reuniting with Janice, Joe relays the heartbreaking news that Joe Jr. has “let him go,” leaving a profound impact on their intricate father-son dynamic.