Riff Raff (2025)

Saw Riff Raff a few weeks ago when it opened.  Like some movies that studios release they've only limited it release in several theaters, and the theater I saw it in the film was relegated to a small theater.  It's a shame what studios are doing, and it's a BIG problem that streaming has created.  Studios feel it's not worth promoting small films unless they became run away success.  It's a shame because Riff Raff is a smart and dark comedy about an unusual family under seige by oddly and old friend.  Ed Harris is a gift and I swear that anything he is in is leveled up by his performance alone.  But the entire cast is fabulous.  Bill Murray is hilariously funny in a dead-pan way.  What malice he brings to his character that only Bill Murray can do, and please don't get me started on Jenifer Coolidge's performance.  She is hilarious and someone I can watch all day.  She is a gift that keeps on giving.  Now don't get me wrong this movie is not ha-ha funny.  It's ha-ha funny with a wink.  I guess I would call this a dark comedy of sorts.

In the end the ending is kind of a feel good ending, but one I was not expecting.  I would be remiss in not mentioning the other performances from Gabrielle Union, Pete Davidson, Lewis Pullman, Miles J. Harvey who is so good in this as the stepson to Ed Harris & son to Gabrielle Union, he will make you laugh out loud and then there is Emanuela Postacchini who is perfect as the Italian lover of Lewis Pullman.  All are great and make the film what it is.  A perfect ensemble cast.

Dito Montiel direction keeps the movie flowing and he gets an A+ performance from all his actors.  If you can catch the film I would say go see it.  It's a tight, well performed and good looking film.  Why it was not pushed for more attention I have no idea, but then again we are in the age of streaming where good content get's cheapened by it's own studio.  

Two other breif performances in the film also have to be noted here.  Brooke Dillman as Janet & P.J. Byrne as Garrison are hilarious as the neighbors of Ed Harris & Gabrielle Union.  I could not help laughing at them.  The nosey neighbors who mean good but are SO annoying.  I think we all know some.

If you get a chance go see this film or try and see it when it gets to streaming which should be any second.  Had a good time watching it, and as I say I was expecting more of a down beat ending, but it was a welcome sight to see what had happened to all our beloved characters.  Even though it seemed a maybe a bit far fetched, but it's the charm of the film that sells it.