Friends and Family

Rating:
Summary: A BIG PUFFY SOUFFLE
Review: "Friends and Family" a film homage to the screwball comedies of the 1930's is a big puffy souffl?. The opening credits are clever and beautifully photographed. They set up a perfect tone for a sparkling comedy of screwball manners. After the credits fade, something goes wrong and all the air in this concoction slowly escapes like a whoopee cushion being sat upon by a large mobster.
The premise of the film is clever and with a talented cast of fine New York actors there are moments in the movie that are indeed funny. But you have to wait for them. This film is not the rollercoaster ride it wants to be, it is the line waiting to get onto it.
In possession of one of the truly handsome faces on the screen today, Greg Lauren is coolly menacing as the straight acting Steven Torcelli gay mob hit man with his partner/lover Danny Russo. His comic timing is well placed and contrasts well with the zany characters he is surrounded by. As Steven's boyfriend and fellow killer, Christopher Gartin does well in the bland role of Danny. Yet with most of the comedy chores going to Lauren he becomes not much more than comedic wallpaper. Tony Lo Bianco is well cast as the Don of the mob family and brings well-timed humor to his role especially in his phone conversation with the Senator. Anna Maria Alberghetti turns the role of wife to the Don into something other than the expected creating a comic black widow eager to have her sons assume the roles of killers for the family.
Tovah Feldshuh and Brian Lane Green catapult themselves over the top as midwestern parents of the boy who is to marry into the mob family. They have fun in their roles but somehow their comedy is too strident and clashes with the rest of the ensembles more polished performances. Beth Fowler gives the best performance in the film and has just the right edge to her character as the mother of Steven. She steals the spotlight every time she appears on screen.
The look of the film is marvelous. The cinematography by John Leuba is so rich and atmospheric that it gives "Friends and Family" the look of a studio film from the era it means to honor. But a film such as this needs to have much more going for it than just a pretty face, it needs energy.
The major problem with "Friends and Family" lies in two camps. First there is the screenplay by Joseph Triebwasser. There are a few good scenes, but where it strives to be a light and fast-paced comedy in the manner of Hawks or Capra is fails. It is not much more than a plodding pilot for a WB sitcom. It needs tightening and several more re-writes and a good injection of smart dialog. Smart fast paced dialog is essential for screwball to succeed. The second problem is in the direction and editing. This was Kristen Coury's first time at bat as a director and it is a valiant and ambitious effort. So the problem of pace is not hers alone but must fall partiality in the laps of her editors, Tom Swartwout and Hector Venegas. A good director and editor can work together to tighten timing and pace where it is needed. That does not happen here. Nowhere is it more evident than in the third act at the banquet. Where the action should be frenetic and zany it grinds on and punctures the comic intent of the scene. It is evident that that the lack of time and money available to the production added to the problems in this scene and we are left with some odd jumps in cutting and loss in some vital connecting information. The whole film is building to this final madcap ending yet we are left sitting on the floor twiddling our fingers while the action stops for all the characters to reflect and yawn. I agree with the screenwriter, maybe it would have been funnier to have Anna Maria Alberghetti save the day.

Rating:
Summary: A BIG PUFFY SOUFFLE
Review: "Friends and Family" a film homage to the screwball comedies of the 1930's is a big puffy soufflé. The opening credits are clever and beautifully photographed. They set up a perfect tone for a sparkling comedy of screwball manners. After the credits fade, something goes wrong and all the air in this concoction slowly escapes like a whoopee cushion being sat upon by a large mobster.
The premise of the film is clever and with a talented cast of fine New York actors there are moments in the movie that are indeed funny. But you have to wait for them. This film is not the rollercoaster ride it wants to be, it is the line waiting to get onto it.
In possession of one of the truly handsome faces on the screen today, Greg Lauren is coolly menacing as the straight acting Steven Torcelli gay mob hit man with his partner/lover Danny Russo. His comic timing is well placed and contrasts well with the zany characters he is surrounded by. As Steven's boyfriend and fellow killer, Christopher Gartin does well in the bland role of Danny. Yet with most of the comedy chores going to Lauren he becomes not much more than comedic wallpaper. Tony Lo Bianco is well cast as the Don of the mob family and brings well-timed humor to his role especially in his phone conversation with the Senator. Anna Maria Alberghetti turns the role of wife to the Don into something other than the expected creating a comic black widow eager to have her sons assume the roles of killers for the family.
Tovah Feldshuh and Brian Lane Green catapult themselves over the top as midwestern parents of the boy who is to marry into the mob family. They have fun in their roles but somehow their comedy is too strident and clashes with the rest of the ensembles more polished performances. Beth Fowler gives the best performance in the film and has just the right edge to her character as the mother of Steven. She steals the spotlight every time she appears on screen.
The look of the film is marvelous. The cinematography by John Leuba is so rich and atmospheric that it gives "Friends and Family" the look of a studio film from the era it means to honor. But a film such as this needs to have much more going for it than just a pretty face, it needs energy.
The major problem with "Friends and Family" lies in two camps. First there is the screenplay by Joseph Triebwasser. There are a few good scenes, but where it strives to be a light and fast-paced comedy in the manner of Hawks or Capra is fails. It is not much more than a plodding pilot for a WB sitcom. It needs tightening and several more re-writes and a good injection of smart dialog. Smart fast paced dialog is essential for screwball to succeed. The second problem is in the direction and editing. This was Kristen Coury's first time at bat as a director and it is a valiant and ambitious effort. So the problem of pace is not hers alone but must fall partiality in the laps of her editors, Tom Swartwout and Hector Venegas. A good director and editor can work together to tighten timing and pace where it is needed. That does not happen here. Nowhere is it more evident than in the third act at the banquet. Where the action should be frenetic and zany it grinds on and punctures the comic intent of the scene. It is evident that that the lack of time and money available to the production added to the problems in this scene and we are left with some odd jumps in cutting and loss in some vital connecting information. The whole film is building to this final madcap ending yet we are left sitting on the floor twiddling our fingers while the action stops for all the characters to reflect and yawn. I agree with the screenwriter, maybe it would have been funnier to have Anna Maria Alberghetti save the day.

Rating:
Summary: An interesting idea that fell short of its goal
Review: "Friends and Family" is an interesting premise. A cross between "The Sopranos" and "La Cage Au Folles", the cover boasted. The writing, however, lets the actors down. And there wasn't a lot of chemistry between the two lead actors, who were little more than eye candy. I think the biggest problem for me was the way to story flowed...whoever edited this movie didn't do a very good job. Being that this film came from the people behind "Sordid Lives", I was expecting a lot more than this movie offered. "Sordid Lives" was a laugh a minute and was full of great characters. In this film, you don't really find yourself rooting for anyone. Mildly entertaining but not worth adding to your dvd collection.

Rating:
Summary: Ya just gotta go with it ....
Review: A trifle really and a sometimes awkward one at that. But, if you let yourself give in to the really absurd premise, you will find some real laughs and a few delightfully madcap moments. Performances are fine across the board (pick you favorite NY stage actor) and production values are good. Worth a spin in the dvd player.

Rating:
Summary: Amazon, Do you really want my honest opinion????
Review: After reading several reviews of Big Eden, many of the more negative comments were regarding the lead character not being "good looking" enough. Granted Mr Arye Gross is not the most attractive man, but after watching this mess, I would take a modest looking man, over these lead actors in this film anyday. The whole premise of this movie is so far fetched it is ridiculous to watch.

I really believe they had cast these men for their looks alone, and took a shot in the dark they could act. They could not. The scene in which they were in the kitchen trying to act "gay", and forcing themselves to learn to cook a simple egg dish was clearly not funny. Give it up guys.

I will try to rent any-gay themed movie when it becomes available. I usually will buy it afterward, simply because there are not many films out there in this genre. This movie I will stay clear away from purchasing.

Rating:
Summary: Expected More....Got Less
Review: As this was coming from the 'Sordid Lives' team and got reasonable theatrical reviews, I was really looking forward to owning this movie. I have to say it was a total disappointment. They could have done way more with the storyline than they did, instead of which we end up with a farce that is only occasionally funny. It's also a shame that the few laughs in this film are at the expense of stereotypical 'flaming' Marys ! While the two main characters are masculine enough, their relationship is secondary to straight men....playing gay and going totally over the top.

Rating:
Summary: A delightful comedy!
Review: Friends and Family is a delightful and clever comedy. The plot, and many subplots actually, are a bit far-fetched, but they provides pure escapism, which we all need sometimes. The characters, as unbelievable as they are, come out as totally outrageous, much needed in a comedy of this nature. The story becomes so over the top, it borders on ridiculous, but manages to entertain, while being totally hilarious.

I really enjoyed this film and smiled throughout at the pure absurdity of it all. The cast was good, the acting okay, but the characters were terrific in my mind. Yes, some people might consider these people stereotypes, but the stereotype came about for a reason....these people actually EXIST! The only real problem I had, and for a movie like this it's a big one, is the displays of affection between the two leads. I don't need to see full on gay sex, but it would have been nice to have seen the couple at least share a light kiss or two. The end did have them hold hands, with beautiful dialogue expressing their love for each other, and I would have liked to see more of that throughout, just a couple more times at least. It showed a human side to these killers that we just needed to see more of.

This is a cross between La Cage Aux Follies (The Birdcage), The Sopranos, and Mambo Italiano, but is too Disneyfied for it's own good. Actually, it's one 'gay film' the whole family can enjoy-- no sex, no profanity, and only very mild violence. I'd definitely rate it a PG. This isn't a perfect film, but it's a perfectly enjoyable one. Grade: A-

Rating:
Summary: Light Amusing Comedy
Review: Friends and Family is the story of two gay men who work for the mafia. When one man's father (an FBI agent), comes to town, the guys must pretend to be caterers in order to prevent trouble. But all is not what it seems, and this film culminates in an elaborate feast with several different groups trying to trick eachother.

While I enjoyed Friends and Family, I found the main couple lacked chemistry. If possible, they were just TOO good looking. The pair looked like they belonged in an advertisement for GQ rather than in the mafia. (I'd much prefer a more homely pair with stronger acting talents), I did think the actor who portrayed the mafia boss, did an excellent job, and the cooking scene and the scenes with the drag queens were amusing.

Overall, this movie reminds me of a combination of "Wedding Banquet and the Bird Cage." Fun, light comedy, but nothing too original.

Rating:
Summary: Friends and Family, or just plain friends?
Review: I am going to erase two of the stars here and back this one up from five to three. I did enjoy the story line mind you, but the thing I found to be a little agitating was the lack of affection between the two main characters. They were partners in crime as well as at home. Other than keen evidence of them living together under one roof and sharing the responsibility of feeding a golden retriever, all parts of the film that would have identified them as companions in love were left out. A teensy kiss between the two cuties would have been nice or at least a simple hug. They truly acted as if they were afraid of one another. The body language during their chat on the sofa told the story on that for Pete's sake. This film skipped all the sweet charm between the two men that is expected in a film labeled to capture the gay audience. 'Playin' it safe' may have been the main goal here, but most viewers I presume would have preferred the safe editing be left to primetime television. At times it slipped my mind that the camera was following the lives of a gay couple in love. Even as the film closed, the director left us with the feeling that the actors were not truly gay. The kiss was in reach, but following through with it was not their objective. This film left out what all of us look for in a gay film; a little romance here and there so we know that the gay companions are family and not just friends. I felt there was too much of a gap between this gay Manhattan couple, so it only gets three stars from me.

Rating:
Summary: A jewel of an old-fashioned comedy.
Review: I loved this movie when I saw it at a comedy film festival a couple of years ago, and I love it even more on DVD, looking pristine and with an excellent set of "extras". I hope this wonderful film manages to find the audience that missed it in its apparently brief theatrical run.

Inexplicably dismissed by many - though I should add not all - critics that I read, this personal favorite of mine is finally being given a second chance on DVD. It's about a gay couple who are hit men for the Mafia, but that doesn't begin to convey the stylishness of the comedy and the tight structure of the story line(s). It's a genuine throwback to the old-fashioned farces of the golden age of Hollywood, with its giddy, improbable starting point, hilarious cast of stock characters and the overlapping stories. It's truly one of the few American film comedies in memory that gives you a laugh every minute or so, and that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as "Trouble in Paradise".

As a gay man, I was glad at last to see a movie in which the gay characters are in a long-term relationship, and aren't closeted, ambivalent about their sexualities, or drug addicts. Instead, despite the fantastic story line, they're actually presented in a fashion that is in some ways truer to life than most depictions of gay men in movies - as happy, confident and successful (and did I mention attractive?)

The cast is fully up to the level of the material. I especially liked Rebecca Creskoff - a delightful, lovely presence as the mob boss's daughter - and Beth Fowler, who in some ways is the motor that gets the plot going: perfection as the gay hero's unstoppable mother. And catch Anna Maria Alberghetti, of the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" knock-knock joke, hilarious as Creskoff's mother.

Pounce on this one.