Riff Raff
A fractured family reunion one Christmas is hampered by two hit-men who are on the tail of one of them.
A stacked cast that include Ed Harris as the patriarch Vincent.
He is married to Sandy (Gabrielle Union), whose son DJ (Miles J Harvey) lives with them.
Their world is turned upside down upon the arrival of Vincent’s first son Rocco (Lewis Pullman), his pregnant girlfriend Marina (Emanuela Postacchini) and Vincent’s ex-wife/Rocco’s mother Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge).
Lefty and Lonny – (Bill Murray and Pete Davidson) are the two hit-men on Rocco’s trail… but why?
Direction
This is my first film reviewed by Dito Montiel, and his work is sound. It does feel like he is playing homage to some better known directors who are solid in this type of themed film (Guy Ritchie, Quentin Tarantino etc).
Breakdown
A fairly slow paced film that is held over a few days. We slowly get to know these characters, and their dynamics. Each of the cast bring their own strength to their characters, and all seem quite well cast.
The “why” of the story – which is why the two hit-men are on Rocco’s trail are written well. A tense flashbacks told by Rocco to his parents, is spliced with humourous interruptions by DJ.
I wished we were given more insight into the character of Johnnie. He is the son of Lefty, who threatens to kill Marina – which leads to Rocco killing him instead. We don’t really know why he snapped (you can listen to a discussion on this on my podcast – link below).
There is another revelation towards the end of the film in regards to Lefty and Vincent previously working together – and how this affected Sandy and her former partner.
For the most of the film the two character groups are separated, with the family going through their own dynamic, having been reunited for the first time in many years. Relationships between Rocco and his dad, and his step brother, Sandy and Ruth etc – all seem to play out like they would in a melodrama.
Then there is Lefty and Lonny – who are on the trail of Rocco and have some fun moments with Vincent’s neighbours, and the poor old timer in the convenient store.
The third act ‘bloodbath’ where Lefty and Lonnie finally catch up with Rocco is quick and not drawn out. I will say that it felt a little too safe for the family.
I loved Adam Taylor’s Gothic score, and it really added to the overall feel of the film.
Overall
Solid film, with a easy to follow narrative, and some genuinely decent performances.
Hear my discussion on this one on my podcast.
3.5/5