Shadows on the Wall | Mafia Mamma

Mafia Mamma

dir Catherine Hardwicke
scr Michael J Feldman, Debbie Jhoon
prd Amanda Sthers, Toni Collette, Christopher Simon
with Toni Collette, Monica Bellucci, Sophia Nomvete, Eduardo Scarpetta, Alfonso Perugini, Francesco Mastroianni, Giulio Corso, Dora Romano, Giuseppe Zeno, Vincenzo Pirrotta, Tim Daish, Tommy Rodger
release US 14.Apr.23
23/Italy 1h41

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Whizzy production values and a strong cast just about sustain the slapstick sensibilities of this comedy, which is an uneasy mix of fish-out-of-water silliness and mob-style violence. The film's painfully obvious structure doesn't make it easy for director Catherine Hardwicke to balance the corny situations, and more interesting ideas remain lurking just out of reach. But even if nothing is even remotely believable, it's still undemanding fun.

Fed up with her advertising company's toxic male culture, Kristin (Collette) has just sent her son (Rodger) to university when she learns her husband (Daish) is cheating. Then her beloved grandfather dies and she needs to fly to Italy. On arrival she is whisked to a picturesque village for the funeral, which is attacked by a rival mob family. And she learns her mafioso grandfather left her in charge of the family business. With help from the firm's consigliere Bianca (Bellucci) and hot-headed goon Fabrizio (Scarpetta), Kristin is surprised that she rises to the challenge.

Much of the gangster stuff is cartoonish, with thugs who spit at the sound of their nemeses' names, bumbling capers and frantic gunfights. Amid all of this, the sex-starved Kristin flirts shamelessly with each gorgeous Italian man she meets, starting with helpful stranger Lorenzo (Corso) at the airport, then taking on the suave head (Zeno) of the rival family. But of course no one is quite who they seem to be. Kristin may never have watched The Godfather, but she is able to navigate the mayhem as things take one unexpected twist after another.

Collette plays up Kristin relentless enthusiasm about Italy. Freaking out at each life-or-death predicament, she's naive but never stupid. Collette dives into the goofiness, grisly nastiness and sexy shenanigans. And she also finds just a hint of emotional resonance beneath the nutty surfaces, especially in the final act. Meanwhile, Bellucci has a great time vamping it up as the imperious Bianca. And the supporting male roles add plenty of comical edges that lampoon masculinity.

While there are some meaningful character details along the way, the film never digs too deeply into any of the larger themes that remain just out of sight. Kristin's path to overcoming her self-doubt and discovering her own strength is almost drowned out by the ridiculous twists and turns of the plot. But it's fun to see her prove adept at running a business and brokering peace between crime families. And watching her triumph on her own is both entertaining and empowering.

themes, language, violence, sexuality 5.Jun.23

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