Riff Raff has an all-star cast including Ed Harris, Jennifer Coolidge, and Pete Davidson, all of whom bring their A-game and lift this film to the next level.
Every family has its drama, but not many have drama like this. Riff Raff tells the story of a former criminal whose past catches up to him. Complete with some unexpected twists and turns, a loving family’s winter vacation is turned upside down when a couple of gangsters invade their home.
Vincent (Ed Harris) and his wife Sandy (Gabrielle Union) have opted to spend the winter break at their vacation home before their son DJ (Miles J. Harvey) heads off to college. Vincent’s disowned son Rocco (Lewis Pullman), ex-wife Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge), and Rocco’s pregnant girlfriend Marina (Emanuela Postacchini) crash the party under the guise that they want to spend time together before Marina has her baby. It doesn’t take long to realize this is not the whole truth – but what we aren’t told at first will likely surprise you.
What starts off as a fun family dramedy quickly takes a turn into unexpected territory when Lefty (Bill Murray) and Lonnie (Pete Davidson) come into the picture, switching genres into more of a crime thriller. Thanks to the stellar collection of cast members, this works perfectly.
It is clear that director Dito Montiel and the rest of the filmmakers knew exactly what type of movie they were making, casting the perfect actor for each and every role. One would almost think that the film was written for them. They bring their A-games, giving the audience exactly waht they want to see.
Viewers will never guess where things are going, and once the full truth is revealed, the story only gets more exciting. Because we have the time to get to know a lot of the characters in the first half of Riff Raff, the stakes feel high when they are put in danger.
The cast works together brilliantly, giving their all to the film. Davidson excels in bringing the comedy and delivering the right tone at the exact right time, which is sure to come as no surprise to anyone.
Coolidge also hits every comedic beat, shining in this role that seems to have been made just for her. Harris, Pullman, Murray, and Union are obviously great as well, but it is Harvey who steps into the spotlight bringing the majority of the heart and emotion to the story.
While there is some predictability weaved in, the story does a great job of keeping viewers guessing when it needs to. Riff Raff offers a fun take on family drama and thriller, although there are times that it feels like we have seen this film before. It is the all-star ensemble cast that helps it to rise above expectations.
Overall, Riff Raff is entertaining. The humor hits when it needs to and there is just enough action and suspense weaved in to keep things interesting.
Riff Raff comes to select theaters on February 28.
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About Riff Raff
Vincent is an ex-criminal who more than anything, just wants a normal, peaceful life. He and his wife Sandy have built a loving family with their son DJ and are spending the winter break in a cabin before he goes off to college.
Chaos ensues when Vincent’s disowned son Rocco, his girlfriend Marina and Vincent’s ex-wife Ruth abruptly show up to spoil the festivities with an ominous warning: the famed gangsters Leftie and Lonnie are coming for them.
Riff Raff comes to select theaters on February 28.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.