The Family

Here's a new twist on an old situation. A family linked to the Mob is placed in the Witness Protection Program, but they have been re-re-relocated and now they are in Normandy! Do you want to know why? Because these folks play hard ball and they don't have much patience. You see, old habits die hard and some neighbors can be down-right annoying!

In my personal opinion, a mob film directed by Luc Besson ("Leon: The Professional") is interchangeable with one directed by Martin Scorsese ("GoodFellas"). They both "pop" characters with an off-handed thugishness that is extremely violent and disturbing. And they are both top-notch action directors.

We actually CARE about:

• Robert De Niro ("Meet the Parents") is Fred Blake/Giovanni Manzoni, a capo who ran his old neighborhood with an iron fist until he ratted out his old pals. He has a way of rationalizing everything he has done and seems to have no guilt.
• Michelle Pfeiffer ("Married to the Mob") is his wife Maggie. Pfeiffer is priceless in this role, her Jersey accent is noticeable but not forced. Her byplay with De Niro looks like they are a long-time happily married couple, but when she gets mad... Oh! My! Dear!
• Tommy Lee Jones ("Lincoln") is Robert Stansfield, the poor Fed who is saddled with the responsibility of trying to keep the strong-willed Blake/Manzoni family safe and out of harm's way.
• Dianna Agron ("Burlesque") is Belle, their gorgeous daughter who has learned how to survive in a variety of situations, schools and countries. She likes peanut butter and is the perfect older sister, too!
• John D'Leo ("Wanderlust") is Warren, small for his age, and a natural target for bullies in the new school. He is resourceful, revengeful, and methodical...probably not a good idea in school....

This R-rated comedy/drama/thriller generated a few white knuckles, let me tell you! There is plenty of comedy mixed in, but believe me, it's very dark comedy. We learn that when a gun is pointed at someone, that person will probably die. And a gun isn't the only method used to dispatch victims, just the least horrific. Our screening audience loved those profane teenagers, and applauded when things went their way. We left the theater exhausted.

* * * * * * * * * * * *
Take a look:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1330816537/
* * * * * * * * * * * *