Garlic and Gunpowder

Garlic and Gunpowder is a laugh-out-loud Amusement Park Films' comedy produced in 2017 that takes viewers on a sidesplitting journey through the criminal underground. This unique comedy crime film crosses all sorts of genres and conventional tropes to create a movie-going experience that's unlike any other. Directed by B. Harrison Smith, the film showcases exceptional performances by a star-studded ensemble cast including Steven Chase, James Duval, Lainie Kazan, Judy Tenuta, Martin Kove, Dean McDermott, Felissa Rose, Vivica A. Fox, and Michael Madsen.

The film revolves around the dynamic duo Sonny (Steven Chase) and Archie (James Duval), two Mafia wise guys who have managed to survive in the business for longer than most. Through many years of botched jobs and near-death experiences, they managed to stay on the boss' good side - and more importantly, stay alive. Conversant in the world of loan sharking, leg breaking and shakedowns, these two seasoned mobsters rule the underworld with their peculiar mix of slapstick and raw wit.

The plot kicks off when the news starts buzzing with rumors of a looming apocalypse, following an asteroid set on a collision course with the Earth. It is amidst this chaos that an important task falls upon our dear protagonists. Their notorious mob boss, Ma (Lainie Kazan), tasks them with the responsibility of securing the safety of her vast fortune. The duo must face a cavalcade of eccentric characters, rivals gangs, hitmen and con-artists, simultaneously dealing with their own insecurities and stumbles in order to protect what their boss holds most dear.

Chase and Duval are perfection in their comical renderings of Sonny and Archie. Their chemistry undoubtedly forms the backbone of the film and provides viewers with a series of genuinely humorous moments. Chase delivers an amusing personification of Sonny in all his tough-guy bravado and outlandish schemes. Duval, as Archie, provides a preposterously funny performance by playing up his character's innocence and quirky mannerisms.

The supporting cast is equally spectacular in their varied roles with each thrusting their own comical punch into the mix. Lainie Kazan’s portrayal of the tough Ma, the mob boss with a motherly side, is particularly noteworthy. Judy Tenuta impresses as the fortune teller who comically yet convincingly predicts the end of the world. Martin Kove and Dean McDermott both make appearances, sharing their talent onscreen to create memorable and hilarious characters. And let’s not forget about Vivica A. Fox and Michael Madsen, who stand out in their quirky, unconventional roles.

Garlic and Gunpowder demonstrates the limitless possibilities when one combines the distinct flavor of old-school crime stories with a hint of modern apocalyptic humor. B. Harrison Smith directs this captivatingly outrageous plot with panache, delivering a comedy that consistently keeps its viewers entertained. With both clever writing and out-of-the-box humor, audiences can expect to see traditional mob drama tropes humorously turned on their heads throughout the film.

The film offers an outstanding amalgamation of character-driven humor and quirky absurdities, serving up laughs with its comedic take on familiar mobster film clichés. It makes fun of the traditional mafia film stereotypes, placing the bumbling capos in diverse situations and showcasing how through cunning and luck, they manage in a world of chaos. The humor in Garlic and Gunpowder doesn’t exclusively lean on its comedic performances; the plot itself inherently pairs humor with caper-style tension brilliantly.

From madcap chase scenes to over-the-top mafia showdowns, this film integrates action, comedy, and unexpected moments of heart. Garlic and Gunpowder showcases not just the fumbles and triumphs of its main characters, but the absurdity of the criminal lifestyle itself. It is a comic romp through a world that's familiar yet fresh, filled with larger-than-life characters, a comically tense plot and a perfect blend of chaos and hilarity. With its stunning cast performances and unique narrative style, Garlic and Gunpowder would leave any comedy-lover in stitches and crime movie enthusiasts clamoring for more. This film is an exciting and uproarious experience from beginning to end.