American crime comedy with a cast of stars: Bill Murray, Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union, Stifler’s mom and others. It started in a thousand theaters, but fizzled quickly and grossed only about $2 million, thus failing to recoup even its modest budget.
One-time criminal Vince (Ed Harris) turned his life around when he fell in love with Sandy (Gabrielle Union). Nearly 20 years later, the still-happy couple are looking forward to spending a quiet New Year’s Eve in their country home with their good-natured son. Then Vince’s other son, Rocco, shows up unannounced with his pregnant girlfriend, Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), and Vince’s first wife, Ruth (Stifler’s mom), in tow. It is not a happy reunion. Ruth is rude, lewd, and randy, while Rocco – who never divested himself of the family business – is clearly hiding something sinister. Hot on Rocco’s tail is Lefty (Bill Murray), an aging mafioso with a score to settle regarding his own son. When Lefty catches up with Vince’s teeming clan, it seems likely that blood ties will yield blood spilled.
Despite some hype, it is rated only 5.7 at IMDb and is “rotten” at RT.
Critics Consensus: Riff Raff assembles an incredible cast who are a pleasure to be around, but it should be a bit more fun with this much comedic talent involved.
I saw it at TIFF last year and thought it was quite good. Not Oscar worthy, but well made and interesting. It might have been a bit too dark in tone for many people though. Sometimes even well-made movies just don’t find an audience. Emanuela Postacchini was hot in it, including the highlighted nude scene.