Milwaukee, Minnesota (DVD)

IN THEATRES: JUNE 3, 2005 (NY)Troy Garrity shines as the mentally challenged Albert Burroughs in Allan Mindel`s debut feature film, MILWAUKEE, MINNESOTA. Set in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the well-written tale centers on Albert, a 30-year-old who lives with his domineering mother (Debra Monk) and works for a grizzled old man (Bruce Dern) in a copy store. Albert has amassed a small fortune winning ice-fishing contests, as he has the unique ability to

hear

the fish. When his mother is killed after some suspicious characters show up in town--brother and sister con team Tuey (Alison Folland) and Stan (Hank Harris), and traveling salesman Jerry (Randy Quaid)--it suddenly seems that everyone is after Albert`s money, taking advantage of his kindness and the state of his mind. Things are amiss in Mindel`s small-town America, which features rape, murder, grifters, transvestites, and lots of lies and deception.Garrity, the son of politician Tom Hayden and actress Jane Fonda, is a standout; audiences will immediately fall for his intelligent, warm, moving portrayal of a simpleminded young man. Strong support is offered by an excellent cast, including Dern, Monk, and Quaid as well as a special appearance by Josh Brolin and Warhol Factory veteran Holly Woodlawn.