Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Mafia Mamma Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 11, 2023

A lot of strange creative choices went into the making of “Mafia Mamma,” which attempts to offer viewers some big laughs and acts of shock value, trying to turn underworld life into a sandbox for star Toni Collette. She’s in Goldie Hawn mode here, asked to carry a story of a personal awakening that also touches on criminal management and broad romantic activity. Collette is more than capable of playing daffy, but her choice of material is underwhelming, with screenwriters J. Michael Feldman and Debbie Jhoon unable to master a balance of light and dark “Mafia Mamma” requires. The picture is all over the place, but it’s never funny, which appears to be the primary goal of the endeavor. Instead of laughs, the effort grows tiresome, which only inspires director Catherine Hardwicke to hit harder when it comes to wacky misadventures in organized crime.

Kristin (Toni Collette) is a mother to a teenage son about to enter adulthood, and she’s a wife to Paul (Tim Daish), a man-child trying to make it in the music business. She’s ignored at work, with her opinions downplayed as male colleagues are favored, and her dreams have faded, left with a dull routine. Reaching bottom when she learns of Paul’s infidelity, Kristin is contacted by Bianca (Monica Bellucci), learning of her grandfather’s death in Italy, urged to attend the funeral. Taking the opportunity to shed her responsibilities, Kristin arrives in the country ready to have food and sexual adventures, finding a potential partner in handsome stranger Lorenzo (Giulio Corso). What the American is actually confronted with is her place as the new head of the Balbano Crime Family, putting her in charge of confronting rivals in the Romano family, with leader Carlo (Giuseppe Zeno) curious about this unusual situation. Without mafia training and awareness of Italian customs, Kristin tries to understand all that’s happening to her, faced with violence and power when all she wants is gnocchi and wine.

Kristin has trouble asserting herself, introduced as a meek woman having an emotional week, watching her son leave the nest and her husband break his wedding vow. Her input at her marketing job is also denied, with her boss dismissing her as a female, which contributes to her lack of confidence. “Mafia Mamma” goes into routine fairly quickly, ordering up a tough best friend for Kristin in lawyer/Krav Maga partner Jenny (Sophia Nomvete), who urges her pal to take advantage of the Italian invitation, giving her a chance to realize her “eat, pray, f**k” fantasies. “Mafia Manner” goes into sitcom mode as the story travels overseas, with Kristin snapping to attention around Lorenzo, a dashing man, and she finds assistance from Bianca, a secretary for the Balbanos, who becomes her trusted number one during the trip, exposing the American to the reality of her grandfather’s life of crime, which includes a terrible winery used as a front company.

“Mafia Mamma” follows Kristin into her new reality, introduced to the “invisible family,” which she now controls, immediately overwhelming her. The writing cooks up scenes of clumsiness for the character, who’s shot at during the funeral, assigned dedicated protectors she banters with. And she’s asked to manage a meeting with Carlo concerning territorial disputes, quickly charmed and seduced by the top Romano, with the evening going all kinds of wrong for the American. Collette commits to all shenanigans like a pro, but the Lucille Ball-ing of the part is disappointing, with her silliness clashing with Hardwicke’s interest in bloody violence, as mob life leads to dismemberments and bloody

Mafia Mamma Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Mafia Mamma" delivers inviting colors, with the golden hues of Italy preserved, along with greenery, amplifying the idyllic nature of the locations. Costuming maintains rich primaries and deep blacks, and interior spaces are also lively, exploring large rooms filled with decorative items and art. Hair color also carries some pop, with Kristin's blonde presence standing out. Skin tones are natural. Detail is generally good, doing well with skin surfaces, which remain textured, examining differences in age and wear and tear. Clothing is also fibrous. Exteriors retain a pleasing depth as the action visits touristy locations and mansion happenings. Delineation is satisfactory. Compression mostly holds together, with some very mild banding, and that's a rare event.

Mafia Mamma Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix provides a crisp understanding of dialogue exchanges, managing accents and languages with strong definition. Scoring cues offers a lighter presence with a more traditional Italian sound, and instrumentation is sharp. Soundtrack selections are more pronounced, offering heftier beats and fullness, adding some low-end response to the listening experience. Surrounds do well with atmospherics, which explore nature and room echo, while music pushes out with force during action and montages, generating appealing immersion. Scenes of violence retain crisp sound effects.

Mafia Mamma Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Red Band Theatrical Trailer (1:31, HD) is included.

Mafia Mamma Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Hardwicke has always lacked directorial control, and her presence at the helm of this comedy is perplexing. "Mafia Mamma" requires a more refined filmmaker capable of tending to the extreme tones of the script, but Hardwicke isn't the person for the job, unable to score laughs, especially darkly comic ones, from material that tries to tend to the dangers in Kristin's new life but also celebrate her developing authority as the timid personality takes control of a criminal empire. "Mafia Mamma" has its cartoon moments, going very broad at times, and it remains in line with some wish-fulfilment entertainment, as Kristin is surrounded by attractive Italian men, loyal friends, and an enormous amount of food and wine. It's escapism handed to the wrong helmer, with Hardwicke trying to combat fluffiness with edginess, making for an uneven endeavor.