Review of Rob the Mob (2014) by Jeffrey M — 08 Nov 2014

Funny, energetic, endearing, and an effective crime caper, Rob the Mob is an immensely enjoyable film. Based on a true story, the film follows a likeable, yet painfully inept couple, Tommy and Rosie, whose antics turn them in to a sort of modern day Bonnie and Clyde. The pair soon makes a name for themselves targeting mob "social clubs", unwittingly uncovering a crucial piece of evidence in the FBI's fight against the mob.

Director Raymond DeFelitta brings us a unique mix of comedy, romance, intrigue and true life story with Rob the Mob. The most successful aspect of the film was the dynamic between Michael Pitt (Tommy) and Nin Arianda (Rosie). Both had excellent chemistry, and had the right amount of manic energy to keep up with the film's brisk pace, and their frenzied, ill-fated personas. At the same time, we're giving more intellectually driven characters such as Andy Garcia's Al (a mob boss), and a surprisingly effective role for Ray Romano as a journalist telling their story. All of this is set against the celebrity fest that was the Gotti trial, which is integrated well.

We are able to get a sense of all the characters, their motivations, their personalities, without the need to telegraph things to us. This is done with creative means and through the interactions of the cast themselves, with a script that is able to strike a good balance. Ultimately the focus remains on the central love story, which anchors the film, and gives it charm among a much uglier world not keen on letting them alone.

4/5 Stars.