Avery's sister, Elise, has been kidnapped. Her ransom is Two Million Dollars with little time to spare. The plan is simple. Avery's friends kidnap Carlo Bartolucci, a local mobster, and force him to use his connections to find Avery's sister and pay the ransom money. But of course, the best laid plans never work; and, one of their own isn't as loyal to the plan as everyone assumes. When the wheels come off and Carlo's people come closer to finding him, the truth comes out and the plan falls into chaos and nobody walks away clean.
First thing I noticed was the low budget value. However, that's never been a problem for me. The story of Lono (Denis Leary) and the lawyer and their hunt to find Carlo is distracting a bit and somewhat long-winded. However, since the rest of the film is set inside a single house, it does break up the action sufficiently. However, the presentation is as chaotic and disorganized as the plan. The sound design and the tone is indicative of this disorganization. As is the editing, at one point a costume changes color between cuts. Costs, it seems, were cut in crew talent.
The budget did not skimp in cast talent, however. I was particularly impressed with Jeremy Sisto's TK in his performance of the conscience of the friends' crew. As always, Christopher Walken's Bartalluci was equal in geniality and menace...brilliant, as usual!! Johnny Gallecki's Ira plays the socially-inept nerd with pure innocence perfectly. He displays Ira's horror with finesse.
This film is definitely an acquired taste. It's very much written like a comedy, but plays like a tragedy. The gimmicks are executed well, for the most part; but, some are not. For instance, Brad Garrett and his sidekick and a bit of Lono's antics regarding his shoes. But Avery's crew, the chemistry is pristine as is Mr. Walken's dealings with everyone.
It's not perfect, nor profound...however, it does satisfy a craving.
****
In: Louis Lombardi
Out: Sean Patrick Flannery
Coming Soon: Ten Inch Hero
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