Mickey Blue Eyes

Within this film, there is a restaurant scene, which in my opinion is without doubt one of the funniest scenes of cinema. I have never before laughed out loud so much at a seventy/eighty second stretch of film. Although this one scene steals the film for me every time I watch it, the entire film is filled with gags that really appeal. I have to confess that the plot is entirely clichéd and pointless, but I find that it is a spiritual successor to the black, white and golden age of comedy epitomised by Laurel and Hardy et al. in terms of the facial comedy especially, with James Caan and Hugh Grant excelling in their close up work. If you are looking at this review as an indicator of whether you should watch this film or not, I urge you to ignore the measly mark of 5.7 and take a punt on it. It obviously doesn't appeal to everyone, but if it does appeal to you, you will absolutely love it.....

This was an entertaining comedy, similar to several other films I've seen in which an innocent-appearing nice guy gets caught up in the middle of a mob family. (i.e. Matthew Broderick in "The Freshman.")

In this film, it's Hugh Grant who winds up in mobster James Caan's clan. The latter isn't known for his comedy but he's good at it. Sometimes just the facial expressions on Caan's face brought out big laughs with me.

Joe Viterelli is perfect for any Mafia-type story, as is Burt Young. It was a little strange, though, to see Young look like such a shriveled up old man. Jeanne Tripplehorn provides the romantic interest in here.

My only complaints were too much usage of God's name in vain, especially for a comedy, and the typical on again-off again marriage plans you've seen so many times in movies for many decades. Overall, however, a good lighthearted comedy that should please a lot of people.

Michael Felgate (Hugh Grant) is an art-house auctioneer who finds that the girl he wants to marry, Gina Vitale {Jeanne Tripplehorn} is the daughter of leading mobster, Frank Vitale {James Caan}. Initially thinking it will be OK if he doesn't do any favours for "the mob," Michael gets deeper and deeper in trouble to the point he not only might lose his girl, but also his life.

Amiable and at times funny, Mickey Blue Eyes is the sort of safe comedy fodder to while away an afternoon with. Boasting a fine comic turn from Hugh Grant as the fop out of his depth, and boosted by James Caan kicking back and enjoying the fun, it's a film that could have been much better had it not run out of steam. The mob spoof picture is such a great premise to work from, but the main joke quickly wears thin. Just how long you can run with the normal guy in amongst the mob gag, will probably determine how much you eventually get from Kelly Makin's film. Grant is just about charming enough to keep the film on the decent side of average, and some well staged set pieces really hit the mark. But it's unlikely the ending will leave you anything other than unfulfilled. Mixed for sure, but hardly a crime against comedy. 6/10

Just happened to rent this one on a whim, mainly due to the cast - Hugh Grant and James Caan - and was surprised to find a much better than average comedy. When the world of a sophisticated English-born art auctioneer in a Tony Manhattan auction house collides with the world of the New York mob, one expects a universe of comic opportunities, and the movie pays off in spades. James Caan is becoming one of those rare actors who is as adept at comedy as at heavier roles. The script is intelligently funny, and the movie is loaded with riotously incongruous situations. The scene where Caan attempts to teach the debonair Hugh Grant how to say "fuggedaboutit" in a hood's accent is alone worth the price of the movie. An overlooked delight.

The whole idea of the movie is pretty creative, but near the end of the movie, the story got a little predictable (that's all I'll say about the plot... so no I'm not spoiling anything.)

However, I laughed to the point I was literally in pain. A lot of pain. Especially during "the restaurant scene". Even after the movie I was still giddy, and I started laughing hysterically in the parking lot of the movie theater. An aftershock I guess?

If you're looking for a good laugh you should go see it. If you're looking for a strong plot, save your time and money.