Review of “Mickey Blue Eyes” (1999): A Charming Mafia Comedy
“Mickey Blue Eyes,” directed by Kelly Makin and released in 1999, is a romantic comedy that delves into the chaotic intersection of love and organized crime. Starring Hugh Grant, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and James Caan, the film offers a blend of humor and romance with a mobster twist.
Plot Overview
The film follows Michael Felgate (Hugh Grant), a British auctioneer in New York who proposes to his girlfriend Gina Vitale (Jeanne Tripplehorn). Unbeknownst to him, Gina’s father, Frank Vitale (James Caan), is a mob boss. When Michael gets inadvertently pulled into the mafia world, he must navigate the comedic and often dangerous situations that arise. To protect his future father-in-law and avoid becoming a mafia target, Michael pretends to be a gangster himself, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings and mishaps.
Performance and Direction
Hugh Grant delivers his signature charm and wit as Michael, perfectly capturing the character’s fish-out-of-water predicament. Jeanne Tripplehorn provides a solid performance as Gina, balancing her role between the worlds of romance and mafia drama. James Caan stands out as Frank Vitale, bringing a mix of menace and fatherly warmth to his role.
Director Kelly Makin maintains a light-hearted and engaging tone throughout the film, effectively balancing comedic elements with moments of tension. His direction ensures that the narrative remains entertaining without delving too deeply into darker crime themes, making it suitable for a broad audience.
Cinematography and Production Design
The cinematography by Donald E. Thorin captures the vibrant life of New York City, contrasting the upscale world of art auctions with the gritty underbelly of organized crime. The production design by Patricia Woodbridge enhances this contrast, creating believable settings that support the film’s comedic and romantic elements.
Themes and Symbolism
“Mickey Blue Eyes” explores themes of love, identity, and the clash of cultures. The film humorously addresses the challenges of integrating into a partner’s family, especially when that family is involved in criminal activities. Michael’s transformation from a mild-mannered auctioneer to a faux mobster symbolizes the lengths to which people will go for love and acceptance.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its humor and the performances of Grant and Caan, others felt the plot was predictable and relied too heavily on stereotypes. On Rotten Tomatoes, “Mickey Blue Eyes” holds an approval rating of 45%, indicating mixed to average reviews. Metacritic gives it a score of 49 out of 100, reflecting similar sentiments.
- Rotten Tomatoes: The film has a 45% approval rating, with critics noting its charm but critiquing its lack of originality.
- Metacritic: The film scores 49, with reviews highlighting both its comedic strengths and its formulaic approach.
Streaming Availability
“Mickey Blue Eyes,” the film is available on several streaming platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rent or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase.
Conclusion
“Mickey Blue Eyes” is a delightful romantic comedy that combines Hugh Grant’s charming performance with a humorous take on the mafia genre. While it may not break new ground in terms of plot, it offers plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments. Fans of romantic comedies and light-hearted mafia films will find “Mickey Blue Eyes” an enjoyable watch.
