Top Ten List

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1. Garden of Redemption
This a sad and sweet story of war torn Italy in which Anthony portrays Don Paolo, the young village priest  who still  possess a goodness of mind and spirit.  This role is a very different character than the cocky Jimmy Wyler or cold blooded Mick or the sleaze Harry Luce and yet Anthony is able to give Don Paolo an innocence that is completely believable and a testament to his fine acting talent.  In the film, Don Paolo is challenged to assist the local underground in their fight against the Nazis and comes face to face with his cowardice.  Does he find Redemption?  This story is a wonderful verification that humans can love one another beyond life.

 


 2. Chameleon
Federal agent Willie Serling is assigned another job. The connection in this assignment is to the drug lord who murdered his wife and daughter. Because of the trauma this event created in his life, Willie is diagnosed as having a psychological ailment called 'as if personality'. This problem has helped him become the Chameleon but he is  slowly losing his own self. Anthony is fantastic as the multi-personality Willie aka Bill Sadler. The many disguises used by Anthony makes this a fascinating movie as well as displaying his vast acting range.
 


3. Betsy's Wedding
Stevie Dee is an endearing at your service kind of guy.  He is thoughtful, sensitive, tender, persistent and impossible not to love.  Anthony plays Stevie and steals every scene in which he participates. This is a poignant love story with the hopeful view that love can even conquer obstacles on opposite sides of the law.
 
 


4. Bulletproof Heart
This is a wonderful dark story of a hit man who finds meaning in the love of a woman. The situation becomes complicated as Mick, portrayed by Anthony, tries to convince his boss that the woman, his 'mark', should not have to die. Just when his life starts to make some sense, his bumbling associate does 'the thing'.  This act results in a tragic end to Mick's transformation. Anthony's performance is superb as the audience feels sympathy for this cold blooded killer who has become a pathetically vulnerable human being.


5. Murder One: Diary Of A Serial Killer

Jimmy Wyler is challenged in his final case with an admitted serial killer. We already know that Jimmy is clever and crafty and will use what ever legal tactics available to defend the best interests of his client.  But a serial killer?  Does Wyler And Associates want to put a murderer back on the streets to kill again.  This story keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats until the final scene. Any admirer of the series will not be disappointed with the way Jimmy handles this case or the performances given by Anthony LaPaglia and the supporting cast.
 

6. Paperback Romance
Sophie writes stories and Eddie sells jewelry. Is this a 'dull' beginning? Not really and the sparks fly when their paths cross in the library.  We are led to wonder if the jewelry sold by the debonair Eddy, played by Anthony, is really stolen. And we wonder if the secret that Sophie is hiding will prevent her from living the fantasies she envisions for her sizzling romance stories. We hope not!!!!!  This slapstick comedy gives a fresh view of boy meets girl and makes it a very entertaining and well acted film.
 


7. Innocent Blood
Another boring vampire movie?  Well, how about an attractive female vampire who will not shed innocent blood. A new twist on an old theme makes this John Landis film a funny and gory pleasure. Anthony plays it straight as the incredulous cop Joe and tracks  down the sinister vampire only to fall in love with her. It's a fun movie to watch on Halloween night or anytime.
 

 8. 29th Street
Frank Pesce was very lucky. This comedy about the first winner of the New York lottery is sometimes silly and other times harshly real. Anthony is Frank Jr.  Everything he touches turns out to be lucky for him. He plays Frank with an innocent sincerity that at times will have you laughing hysterically and at other times make you want to cry. In the scene when he is having a physical at the request of the U.S. Army, you can't decide if he is just stupid or very clever. No true fan of Anthony LaPaglia should miss this great story and performance.
 

 9. Never Give Up: The Jimmy V Story
This sad story of Coach Jimmy Valvano is a movie worth watching.  Yes, it will cause tears to flow.  We see this man who loves life and has always lived it to the fullest fighting death as if it were a battle he could win.  And even knowing he will lose, we can only admire the fight and echo his chant "never give up".  Fantastic and emotional portrayal by Anthony as Jimmy V.
 

 10. Criminal Justice
 David Ringel is a young, honest and very sincere Public Defender. In this setting, Anthony seems to be a cross between Stevie Dee and Jimmy Wyler. It is wonderful to watch these early movies and see the evolution of Anthony's acting skills.

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last update 07/09/04