A retired hit man's life is turned upside down when his ex-wife and son arrive unannounced during the holidays because they are on the run from his former mob associates.
Director Dito Montiel‘s easily accessible black comedy “Riff Raff” is an irreverent look at the bizarre lengths we will go to for family, even if that includes committing murder. This revenge story about familial bonds and criminal entanglement gone wrong is a lot of fun, even if there isn’t a ton of originality here. Overall, the film is satisfying enough and more than watchable due to its talented ensemble cast who work extremely well together.
Former criminal Vince (Ed Harris) has put his shady past behind, reinventing himself and finding happiness with his loving wife Sandy (Gabrielle Union) and their kindhearted teenage son DJ (Miles J. Harvey). As they have in previous years, the three have plans to spend a quiet holiday at their secluded mountain home. Their festive Christmas cheer is disrupted when Vince’s estranged son Rocco (Lewis Pullman) shows up for a surprise visit with his pregnant girlfriend (Emanuela Postacchini) and Vince’s lewd ex-wife, Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge). The reunion certainly isn’t heartwarming, as the family soon discovers that Rocco is on the run from sinister mob boss Lefty (Bill Murray). A long-buried history and legacy of family secrets are thrust out in the open, which lead to lethal consequences.
It’s a crime story with a singular setting, and Montiel leans heavily on his cast (who are up to the challenge). Coolidge is the comedy superstar here, adding most of the film’s laughs with her rude and vulgar character, and Harris and Pullman are well suited to their roles. Murray doesn’t have a lot to do here, but he once again proves he can effortlessly switch from comedic charm to menacing intensity. The writing is strong (and sometimes unduly complicated), even if the overall premise offers few surprises.
The story’s dark humor and violence are blended with flair, especially during the film’s climax, and Montiel maintains a sense of danger throughout. The bad guys are genuinely menacing, stone cold killers who won’t hesitate to pull the trigger if you get in their way (you never know who is going to make it out alive). A couple of minor plot twists work well, especially when offset by the general irreverence in tone. Montiel combines all of these elements to make this a family drama that feels very different from the norm.
While it may not be the most memorable film, “Riff Raff” is definitely an entertaining exploration of what happens when the past comes into the present, giving new meaning to the term “blood ties.”
