Friends & Family

Friends & Family is a 2001 independent comedy directed by Kristen Coury. The film stars Greg Lauren, Chris Gartin, and Rebecca Creskoff, among others. It is a light-hearted take on the Mafia genre, setting its backdrop in the cosmopolitan areas of New York City.

The movie revolves around the lives of Stephen Torcelli (Greg Lauren) and Danny Russo (Chris Gartin), who are a gay couple living a high lifestyle in New York city. They are impeccably stylish, have a great social circle, and live in a gorgeous apartment. Their routine consisting of dinner parties and fine dining almost makes them unexceptional. However, there's a twisted catch — they're part of the non-traditional family business. They are top-tier enforcers for the feared Italian Mafia, the "family" in the title.

Their mafia connections, however, are unbeknown to their group of friends and family, maneuvering expertly between their roles as mafia enforcers and hosts of upscale dinner parties. Their secret profession provides a chance for humor and comic relief as the pair navigates their crime-infused lifestyle with a posh social life.

One of the main attractions in Friends & Family is the introduction of Anna (Rebecca Creskoff), Stephen's old friend. Anna and her boyfriend arrive at Stephen and Danny's home and throughout their stay, they remain oblivious to the couple's mafia connections. This irks our protagonists and results in various comedic situations as they both try to ensure that their actual profession remains a well-guarded secret.

Adding to the humor is the presence of their parents - Stephen's delicate Jewish mother and Danny's traditional Italian father. These characters are brilliantly woven into the plot and further complicate the tightrope that Stephen and Danny walk between their dual lives.

Apart from the main plot, the movie provides an interesting perspective on gay relationships. It presents them as completely ordinary, normalizing it. It shuns the clichés that often cloud such depictions, bringing a freshness in presentation. The chemistry between Greg Lauren and Chris Gartin is convincing and their performances are worth applauding.

The film also brings fresh insights into the representation of the Mafia, going against its usual gruesome portrayal in the mainstream movies. Instead, here, the Mafia is shown as a corporate entity, complete with office cubicles and water coolers, aligning more with a white-collar job ambiance than with crime-ridden backrooms. Such a humorously twisted stereotype further adds to the comedic elements of the movie.

Scripted by Joseph Triebwasser, the blend of comedy, crime, and gay romance in Friends & Family creates a concoction that's both refreshing and unique. It is subtle where it needs to be and hilarious where it wants to be. The writing is right on point and the delivery is commendable. The performances bring depth to the characters, making it easy for viewers to identify with them.

On the technical front, the cinematography by Michael Mayers is impressive and balances the diverse themes the film incorporates. From the luxurious skyline of New York City to the impeccably decorated interiors of the couple's home — the visual storytelling enhances the overall cinematic feel of the film. The costume design by David C. Robinson deserves a special mention as it brings out each character's personality.

Director Kristen Coury exhibits finesse in her direction and successfully brings the sexually, ethnically, and criminally diverse world in Friends & Family to life. The unique plot of the film — combining classic crime tropes with humor and romantic elements — allows for a refreshing break from the typical offerings of the genre.

Overall, Friends & Family is an amusing take on the unlikely combination of themes — mafia, gay romance, and comedy. It promises to engage the audience, making them laugh and reflect on society's stereotypes while enjoying an interesting rollercoaster of a plot. It is a shot at the unlikely, bringing together laughs, love, and a bit of la cosa nostra. It's an entertaining watch for lovers of offbeat comedies and crime dramas with a twist.