Friends and Family (2001)

The only reason I actually decided to watch this movie was because of the reviews – some good, most bad. I wasn't really expecting much from the movie… but something like a Gay version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. And the movie doesn't disappoint. It's cute, funny, hilarious and probably one of the best movies I have seen in the past week. And I feel like I should defend the filmmakers.Most reviews centered on the leads not being gay enough or the lack of intimacy. But anyone who has actually been in a relationship for more than 10 years can vouch that though they did not hold hands and kiss, they had an amazing chemistry. They have merely crossed that hand-holding stage, which Jenny and Matthew still have, and have reached a stage where they are just comfortable in each others' presence. I have been with my partner for 13 years, and our relationship is quite similar. The fact that they risk their lives for each other every day can only vouch for that! The eyeing scenes, where they just need to look at each other to ascertain their feelings are actually the highlight of their relationship. Esp. "We are gonna grow old together". They even hold hands, if you closely, in the scene where Stephan's mother mistakes the singer for the Drag Queen and later, when Stephan realizes that only reason Danny works for the Mafia with Stephan, is because Stephan is too busy to spend time with him, otherwise. And not to mention the last scene: "So as not to offend the Gods!"There are lot of stereotypical jokes, esp. when the Mob enforcers are learning how to "become Gay" like learning the history of Cher and Sir. Elton John, but they are included only because the filmmakers are going for stereotypes. Because, unlike Danny and Stephan, who just happen to be two men in a relationship, the straight waiters actually have to convince everyone including Stephan and Matt's parents, that they are, in fact, stereotypical Gay waiters, so as not to blow Danny and Stephan's cover. Even Vito and the Don pitch in, pretending to be their workers - much to Stephan's discomfort – even going as far as arranging the drag show. This would probably be considered the greatest honour in the Mafia, at least in Hollywood. This is just the filmmakers' way of trying to say that in spite of being "Gay" (and prob. discharged from the army under the DADT, as they refer, "we asked… we told") they are greatly respected and honoured by the Don himself.As far as the cooking scene goes and the guys destroy everything they touch, it doesn't mean they are stupid or incompetent, it just means that just because they are gay, it doesn't necessarily mean they have to know how to cook. There are lots of people, men and women, gay and straight alike, who wouldn't know the first thing about making a goose-liver patte, or ricotta cheesecake, or even boil a proper egg or even make a proper tea for that matter and these two just happen to be them. But they are good at what they do… they are good killers and enforcers. How come no one complained when Angelina Jolie fed Brad Pitt "peas" in Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but when two Gay guys do not know how to cook, it's like law against nature? How many people can claim both expertise in guns and expertise in cooking at the same time? The guys' expertise is seen in the last fight, where they singlehandedly organize, fight and overturn the hostage situation.But the movie doesn't center on the guys or their sexuality, it centers more around their "coming out", as Mafia Hit men, to an FBI Agent father! And that is even more difficult than anticipated. The movie is out and out Jenny's flick. She is the catalyst that binds the movie together. Whether convincing her family to accept a non-Italian, non-Catholic son-in-law from the Heartland; to convincing Danny and Stephan to let her arrange a party for Stephan's father; or whether its convincing her father, the Don, to let his sons, the future "Padrone" be the cook and the decorator at Stephan father's party; to making sure that Danny and Stephan, should finally be able to lead the family by hiding the fact that her fiancé is actually a Sicilian – which backfires, when Matt accidentally tells Don; to actually going out of the way to convince the Mob enforcers to act as waiters. Jenny happens to be the true star of the movie.

Friends and Family is a very slight comedy about a couple of gay mobsters whose parents come to town (knowing about their relationship but not aware of their occupation).Despite being advertised as "from the creators of Gods and Monsters" - I'm not quite sure of any connection (after doing a quick search in IMDb) - maybe they had the same caterers.Friends and Family doesn't really have a whole lot going for it - it tries to make fun of fairly boring stereotypes (you got your mobsters, your really camp queens, drag queens, blah blah blah) and the humour is quite limp and soggy. It really feels a lot like "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" - another movie which (in my opinion) was quite sad.I thought the only slightly humorous idea was the hick mid-west family who were planning destruction to the "Federal Government Occupiers of the United States" - but I'm sure this was a pre-9/11 movie...Overall - if you think "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" was the funniest movie around - you might get a kick - otherwise for those who need a bit more omph with their comedy - don't bother!

This has to be one of the worst movies I have ever watched. The plot idea could have been something, but the writing was not there. I really wished I had never rented this movie.Two gay hit men, lovers... and "out." Sounds interesting, but that is the sum of the interest. The acting is flat, or WAY over the top. The stereotypes are repulsive, and there is not a character to be liked in the entire movie.This lame attempt at comedy gets a one for the music, which at times is good, other than that do not waste your time or money on this dog. Don't say that you were not warned if you do.

I gave this a "6" for being well intentioned, but to me it seemed to be trying too hard to catch middle of the road support.The characters don't develop convincingly at all - especially the supposed gay male couple who never even kiss properly. The most they do do is eye each other off. It smacked severely of straight actors playing gay for pay.This was the opening film of Brisbane's "Queer Film & Video Weekend" on 27th March 2003 - and though I didn't like it at all, the bulk of the audience (men and women) loved it.I much prefered the dark humour of "Nine Dead Gay Guys" which screened the next evening and which was unapologetic, inventive and fully entertaining. "Friends and Family" was really just fluffy - ala "Will & Grace".