Review of Knockaround Guys (2001) by Wayne R — 17 Oct 2011

I found this to be a rather better then average movie that got fairly better as the story moved along and with a lot of good actors, most of which, due to the limitations of the screenplay where unable to fully develop their potential. Basically, the story is too simple, there are no details, no in-depth characterization, nothing that can get the viewer really involved.

A positive surprise was Vin Diesel, with some decent acting, based not only on the size of his biceps. John Malkovich and Dennis Hopper are unfortunately almost completely wasted in this movie, Hopper more so then Malkovich who does have some memorable scenes. My opinion, if they Utilized them more extensively and explored their characters a little more, it would have given the movie much more "weight" and would probably have improved it considerably.

Basically, This is a fairly interesting story of a young man who thinks he wants into his father's business (the mob) but faces difficult decisions along the way.

Barry Pepper ("25th Hour") plays Matty, the young man whose father, Benny Chains (Dennis Hopper), is an important figure in a Brooklyn crime family. John Malcovich plays "Uncle Teddy" - his father's top man. Matty wants to become a sports agent, but everywhere he turns in New York, people are afraid of him because of who his father is.

Matty had a chance when he was 13 to prove to Uncle Teddy that he had what it takes to be a gangster, but he wanted no part of the killing of the informant who sent his dad to prison. But now things are difficult and he decides to try and become a working member of his dad's gang.

With a push from Uncle Teddy, Matty talks his father into letting him do a job for him - delivering half a million dollars someone in Spokane owes him. One of Teddy's friends, a real lightweight, flies out and picks up the money, but he manages to lose it at some airport in a small Montana town. In a panic, Matty flies out with two of his friends, Taylor (Vin Diesel) and Scarpa (another mobster's kid trying to move up in the world).

Together with Marbles the pilot, the four scour through this little town trying to find out who has the money, but a problem soon arises - the local sheriff, played by Tom Noonan, has it and he wants to keep it. And he doesn't especially care that it belongs to some Brooklyn crime boss.

I don't want to spoil it by revealing the ending, but Matty has to decide at some point who his friends are and does he really want to be like his old man.

I will say it was Well-acted throughout. Barry Pepper, Tom Noonan, and John Malkovich all shine in their roles with Vin Diesel probably the best of the crew. He definitely showed his presences as to why he became a huge box office draw after this film. Seth Green being the weak link of the cast doesn't really fit well with the cast and all in all was in my opinion mis-casted big time.

Again, This movie definitely benefits from the outstanding cast and the great performances each actor gives for what they had to work with. It was enjoyable on that level. It has a few scenes that remind you of the many Mafia movies of years past and if your a fan of the genre, you will probably walk away thoroughly satisfied with the overall film.