Reviews

I first came across this film late at night on TV. I thought, random name and stars Kevin Spacey, may as well sit and watch. Quite frankly I was blown away. I had not expected anything from this film and it provided thought provoking and intriguing ideas, brought over to the audience by fantastic acting and beautiful cinematography.

We follow K-Pacian Prot (Spacey) on his trip through New York, of course, he is a little "odd" and ends up in the local nut house. During his time there we are drawn in by the rapport between him and his psychiatrist (Bridges) who just wants to help "the most convincing delusional he has ever met" and by the effect he has on his fellow patients.

For me this is one of those "comfort" films that you can watch again and again, and give you a warm fuzzy feeling inside. It is essentially a study of life, relationships and family, however the vehicle is very different, and definitely enjoyable. The film moves in sometimes uncomfortable directions, but ultimately leaves the viewer wondering, not disappointed, but still using the little grey cells once the credits have rolled.

As another reviewer states, the final third of the film is a little inferior to the first 2/3. But nonetheless the overall result is a beautifully acted and well constructed story, which is sure to maintain a large cult following. I recommend it to anyone who needs a bit of chicken soup for the soul! 8/10

I can normally find something i like in a film, and i normally agree with the vast majority here on IMDb - which i consider to be a great site for judging which films are worth seeing and which are worth missing. BUT I'm afraid to say that for once i cannot comprehend all the praise this film has received in the press.

I get the point - character study of reconditioned ex-mobster and effects thereof on family of aforementioned ex-mobster. Great! unfortunately, the complete lack of character development rendered the vast majority of the film completely useless.

The film was so stereotypical that it was embarrassing! not only was the portrayed 'love' between the main characters far too sickly and over the top, it was quite simply an excuse for hard core porn, and the most random full frontal nudity scene i have ever sat through. I have to admit, i couldn't help but laugh at the sheer pointlessness of them! Lets look at a quick synopsis shall we - Mr Goody Good Good, VERY normal cafe worker loves wife, has explicit sex with wife (dressed as cheerleader) kills random criminals (very violently) who come to rob his cafe. Is then tracked down by his old mobster friends. He is also a mobster (hence the title of the film) Family are disgusted, so he eventually kills his old mobster friends and has more explicit sex with the wife. He then, for no readily apparent reason, goes to hunt down and kill (very violently, once again) his mobster brother. Comes home and has meatloaf with the family (we assume that after the credits roll, he throws wife on table and has more explicit sex, but this was cut from the final version) To me that was about as deep as it got!! i managed to buy into the matrix explanations, but this is just a bridge too far!!!! waste of hard earnt cash!

The Wedding Crashers was one of those films i was avoiding, it just smacks of cheap nastiness, good for viewing on cable but not much else. However, as there was nothing else worth spending £££ on i decided to give it a go.

I found it surprisingly enjoyable, from the opening divorce settlement arguments, and Jewish, Irish, Chinese, and Hindu weddings all the way to the blossoming love story. Unfortunately the plot was rather predictable and did seem to drag out a little. However the film never took itself too seriously and as a result there were always bouts of humour just as things were all getting a bit much.

Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson were great, i don't think there is any other way to put it, they were energetic and funny throughout. But also sincere when it mattered. Chris Walken was distinguished as always and played his part well. Rachel McAdams was, in my opinion a revelation, she completely drew me into the story, she was believable, lovable and 'real' in fact i think this film is probably worth a look just to watch her for a couple of hours! A very talented young actress.

Overall, an enjoyable evening, with some solid acting, a predictable but lovable plot - a showcase not only for Vaugn and Wilson but for young Rachel McAdams too. 7/10