Stiffs

Stiffs is a dark comedy crime film released in 2010 that details the efforts of two former gamblers to save their mentor and employer, "Sleepy" LaRocca, from the wrath of a powerful mobster. Directed by Frank Ciota, the film features a talented cast of veteran actors, including Danny Aiello, Jon Polito, and Louis Vanaria.

The movie opens with a glimpse into the life of Johnnie and Sal, two best friends and former gamblers who work for "Sleepy" LaRocca's funeral home. The two of them are trying to raise enough money to save "Sleepy's" business, but they keep losing everything they have to the local bookie. With no other options at their disposal, the pair decides to turn to their mentor, hoping he will lend them enough money to get back on their feet.

However, things take a turn for the worse when the local mobster, Carmine, approaches "Sleepy" with an ultimatum: come up with the money he owes them, or he will lose everything he has, including his business and his life. Reluctantly, "Sleepy" agrees to help Johnnie and Sal out, and the three of them set out to find a way to pay off their debts before it's too late.

As they navigate the criminal underworld, the trio uncovers a plot involving stolen diamonds that could save them all. Determined to find the missing jewels and use them to pay off their debts, Johnnie and Sal team up with "Sleepy" and his band of misfit funeral directors to hunt down the diamonds, even if it means putting their lives in danger.

Stiffs is a well-crafted dark comedy that balances humor with genuine danger, offering a glimpse into the lives of those living on the fringes of society. As the protagonists navigate the cutthroat world of organized crime, the film offers an interesting perspective on the lengths people will go to in order to survive.

While the movie is certainly not for everyone, those who enjoy dark comedies and crime films will find plenty to enjoy. The talented cast delivers strong performances, particularly Danny Aiello, who delivers a standout performance as the ailing "Sleepy" LaRocca. His portrayal of a man who has lived his entire life on the fringes of society, only to be faced with the consequences of his actions in his later years, is both poignant and entertaining.

Similarly, Jon Polito and Louis Vanaria do a great job of portraying Johnnie and Sal, respectively. The two of them have a natural chemistry that makes their characters feel authentic, and their banter adds a nice levity to the often tense and dangerous situations they find themselves in.

Overall, Stiffs is an enjoyable film that offers a fresh perspective on the crime genre. The story is engaging, the humor is well-executed, and the talented cast delivers strong performances throughout. If you're a fan of dark comedies or crime movies, then Stiffs is definitely worth checking out.