Mafia Mamma Movie Review

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In high heels, Bianca (Monica Bellucci) walks through a plethora of dead bodies. She kisses a now dead man, Don Giuseppe Balbano (Alessandro Bressanello). Bianca was his general. He trusted her and he meant a lot to her. She stands and proclaims with an Italian accent, “This means war.”

After meeting Bianca, we cut to Kristin, played by Toni Collette. She’s sobbing uncontrollably. Has she lost someone, too? In an American accent, she lets us know that her baby is leaving for college. She’s obviously not prepared. It’s at this time that she gets a call from Italy, informing her that her father’s father is dead. This voice is explaining that she needs to come to Italy and help settle his affairs. Well, this could keep her mind preoccupied.

Empty Nest syndrome has her down, her husband Paul (Tim Daish) isn’t giving her a reason to stay, so she decides to go check out Italy for a while. She was born there, but was sent to America not long after birth, so she’s going in completely blind. She has no idea what she just agreed to do. She thinks her family makes wine, but they’re really what the title says; she just doesn’t know that yet. She does like Bianca, her right-hand “man” and she’s enjoying being treated like she counts, but it’s not easy for her to get used to. She always thinks of others first.

For some reason, she’s being treated like royalty. It finally hits her that she isn’t going to be a vintner, but what she has just inherited is her grandfather’s Mafia empire. Her family is the Balbano’s and they are at war with Romano’s who have done nothing but disrespect her and her family since she arrived. She’s treated with contempt by her cousin, as well, who believed that he should have become the new boss. She may have been his only grandchild, but this American woman is only here because of her DNA. She has no business in the business. She’s told, “Never let a man dictate who you are or what you can do.” She decides what she wants, and that’s happiness, and to pass it on, as well.

In certain moments throughout the film, think The Godfather and other mafia movies. The clichés are all used, but the movie is amusing because it shows the difference between a man in complete control and a woman in the same position who’s accidentally doing well. She stumbles into taking care of herself and her family and being a bit of a badass. It’s ridiculous at times and far-fetched in others, but if you just want some laughs, they’re here. “Mafia Mamma” is a silly yarn, but one that if you don’t take it too seriously, you’ll have a good time with.

Bleecker Street will release MAFIA MAMMA in theaters nationwide on Friday, April 14th, including in the below area theatre(s):

Arrowhead 14, Arizona Center 24, Esplanade 14, AMC Desert Ridge 18, Westgate 20, Deer Valley 30, Harkins Norterra 14, Harkins North Valley 16, Christown 14, Park West 14, Harkins Arrowhead Fountains 18, Camelview at Fashion Square, Roadhouse Cinema Scottsdale 11, Scottsdale 101- 14, Shea 14 Theatre, Sonora Village 9, Tempe Marketplace 16, Centerpoint 11 Theatre, Arizona Mills 24 Theatre, Ahwatukee 24, Mesa Grande 14, Superstition Springs 25, Cinemark 16, Superstition East 12, Harkins Chandler Fashion Center 20, Chandler Crossroads 12, Harkins Queen Creek 14, WTC – Gilbert Stadium, San Tan Village 16, Valley Art 1 Theatre, Surprise Pointe14, Flagstaff 16, Prescott Valley Luxury 14, Gateway Pavillions 18, Harkins Estrella Falls 16, Casa Grande 14, Movies Havasu