6.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
A suburban American woman who inherits her grandfather's Mafia empire, and guided by the Firm's trusted consigliere, defies everyone's expectations, including her own, as the new head of the family business.
Starring: Toni Collette, Monica Bellucci, Sophia Nomvete, Eduardo Scarpetta, Alfonso PeruginiCrime | Insignificant |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English SDH, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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