Mafia Mamma

Mafia Mamma is a fun, fish out of water, crimedy that is very self-aware of its own absurdity.

It's a throwback to classics like "Married to the Mob" centering a reluctant middle-age housewife, desperate for some excitement only to cave to pressures of becoming a mob boss.

Toni Collette and Monica Bellucci have great onscreen chemistry. They carry this film far as they can even though the writing fails them.

The screenplay is camp, the humor is archaic, the editing is shifty and the direction is sophomoric. But this film has one target audience in mind-- 'women of a particular age' who are in on the joke and just wanna kick back and have a few laughs at the theater.

Monica Bellucci and Toni Collette are absolutely delightful in Mafia Mamma. When I saw the trailer for this film, I knew it was going to be a fun ride and definitely did not disappoint. There was a couple of flat moments, but the rest was jam packed action and tidbits of gore.

It's probably not a film I would bother watching again though. It is like a once off enjoyable flick, but nothing I would put on my DVD shelf and turn to for a laugh.

If you want a fun film, like some action and comedy. Then it is well worth checking out. Like I said the two leading ladies performances definitely make it worthwhile.

I was absolutely delighted to discover this film, as it was shot in the beautiful country of Italy, which immediately captured my attention. And while I was initially expecting a light-hearted story, I found the film to be much more than that, with a riveting plot centered around warring mafia families. Yes, the violence and bloodshed is a bit intense, but it was the brilliant irony of the innocent character of Kristin Balbano, who thought she was on an Italian romantic adventure, that truly captivated me. The performances by Toni Collette (Kristin) and Monica Bellucci (Bianca) were outstanding and they shared incredible chemistry, especially in the scenes where they were together. The rest of the cast also did a fantastic job, bringing the story to life in a way that kept me completely engaged throughout. The stunning Italian location and fitting score only added to the film's appeal. I highly recommend giving this movie a chance - it's a no-brainer! I'd give it a solid 7 out of 10. And again, I do not understand the reviews giving this movie a rating of 1 or 2. Did they see the movie? Or thought they would see the new Godfather? Relax, watch and enjoy life!

A spoof on the ever-so -serious mafia flicks, regarding Kristin (Toni Colette) , a writer in her middle age, is grappling with the challenges of her son (Tommy Rodger) leaving for college, a chauvinistic boss, and her husband's (Paul Daish) recent infidelity. Amidst this turmoil, a trusted advisor to Kristin's estranged grandfather, informs her of his passing and insists she attend his funeral in Italy. Though hesitant at first, Kristin's friend Jenny (Sophia Nomvete) , a vocal attorney, convinces her that this journey could be the key to her recovery. Cheated on by her partner, with her son at university and tired of being menstruated in her work, Kristen decides to travel to Rome to attend the funeral of her grandfather who died with a last and surprising wish: To name Kristen as successor of a clan of italian gangsters. However, things take a dangerous turn when the funeral transforms into a bloody shootout, and Kristin discovers that her grandfather intended for her, the only living heir , to inherite his empire . Guided by the firm's consigliere, Bianca (Monica Bellucci) , she hilariously defies everyone's expectations as the new head of the family business. What can go wrong? . An Epic Saga Of Disorganized Crime !

Nutty and absurd comedy with numberless gags, mayhem, amusement and unnecessary gore. Toni Collete (¨Hereditary¨), co-producer of the film, goes from an American to a boss of the Italian Mafia in this satirical, witty and surreal crime comedy that laughs at the clichés of gangster cinema, especially ¨The Godfather I and II¨. And following in the wake of ¨Jane Austen's Mafia!¨ (1998) by Jim Abrahams. It is a spoof that has lots of clever and fun sight gags, though in mediocre results. The main and funny premise of the complete film is the transformation of the likaeable starring from suburban mom to mafia Don. There are a number of laugh-out-loud lines in this movie and a number of overdone slapstick scenes, as with any comedy in which the material comes at you at a rapid pace. Toni Colette is pretty good as the American heiress to take on the mantle of leader for Calabria's most formidable Mafia family. Actress and model Monica Belucci plays adequately Blanca, the one in charge of being the mistress of ceremonies for this simple-minded housewife. Catherine Hardwicke, with Mafia Mamma, transmits a message of female empowerment by placing the character of Toni Colette outside of her routine and complacent life, to reveal a stronger perspective on it. The film moves between the genres of comedy, parody and gangsters, moving from one to the other with extreme ease and speed.

The motion picture was unevenly and professionally directed by Catherine Hardwicke, though with no originality because copies the premises of other previous films. Hardwicke's first film as a director was the Sundance winner Thirteen which explored the transition into teenage years with an authenticity that still captures young audiences (1.3 billion Tik Tok engagements) . Hardwicke often empowers female leads (Miss Bala, Red Riding Hood, Plush, Thirteen). Hardwicke directed Lords of dogtown before she became best known as the director of Twilight, which launched the blockbuster franchise and has since earned over three billion dollars. Recently her indie film Prisoner's adughter premiered at Tiff 2022 and Dreams in the witchhouse dropped on Netflix October 2022 as part of Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities. Rating Mafia Mamma(2023) : 5.5/10. A worthwhile but uneven parody of gangster movies (especially the godfather) with several really funny scenes that will keep you laughing. I enjoyed this when I saw it and would recommend it, but no too much.

Toni Collette plays a bored and unassuming housewife catapulted into the highlife of being a mafia boss.

Oh what can I say. Toni Collette at her very best. I adore this lady she can make you believe anything. She's supported by a great cast in this dramedy and I belly laughed several times and I rarely ever do that during a film.

The story is silly of course but how many great film stories are? Is it any sillier than Bladerunner or Star Wars? But it is so engaging, and so funny, and yet still has high tension that you can't help be carried along on a wave of pure enjoyment.

This has been the highlight of my year so far. If you enjoy well acted, well directed, fun stories watch this film and I am sure you will be entertained.