Mickey Blue Eyes

Michael Felgate (Hugh Grant) is an art-house auctioneer who finds that the girl he wants to marry, Gina Vitale {Jeanne Tripplehorn} is the daughter of leading mobster, Frank Vitale {James Caan}. Initially thinking it will be OK if he doesn't do any favours for "the mob," Michael gets deeper and deeper in trouble to the point he not only might lose his girl, but also his life.

Amiable and at times funny, Mickey Blue Eyes is the sort of safe comedy fodder to while away an afternoon with. Boasting a fine comic turn from Hugh Grant as the fop out of his depth, and boosted by James Caan kicking back and enjoying the fun, it's a film that could have been much better had it not run out of steam. The mob spoof picture is such a great premise to work from, but the main joke quickly wears thin. Just how long you can run with the normal guy in amongst the mob gag, will probably determine how much you eventually get from Kelly Makin's film. Grant is just about charming enough to keep the film on the decent side of average, and some well staged set pieces really hit the mark. But it's unlikely the ending will leave you anything other than unfulfilled. Mixed for sure, but hardly a crime against comedy. 6/10