Cookie

"Cookie" is an offbeat, comedy-drama film released in 1989 under the direction of Susan Seidelman. The movie boasts a star-studded cast that includes Peter Falk, Dianne Wiest, and Emily Lloyd. Melding together elements of comedy, drama, and crime, the film showcases the complex dynamics of a non-traditional family caught in the midst of illegal activities.

In the center of the film is the crusty but loveable Dominick 'Dino' Capisco (Peter Falk), a veteran mobster in the New York City underworld. After serving a 13-year stint in prison for his criminal antics, Dino is released and plans to lay low for a while. But a mobster's life is never easy, and Dino's return to normalcy is anything but straightforward.

Simultaneously introduced is the eponymous character, Cookie Voltecki (Emily Lloyd), a kind-hearted but foul-mouthed teenager. She is revealed to be Dino's illegitimate daughter from a long-past affair. Cookie lives with her free-spirited mother, Lenore (Dianne Wiest), who adhered to the hippie lifestyle well beyond the 1960s. Dino's release comes with the revelation of his fatherhood to Cookie, surprising her completely.

When Dino makes his return to "normal" life, he entangles himself back into the business of the New York mob scene, if a little reluctantly. Cookie, on the other hand, begins her bumpy adventure to connect with her father. It is eventually decided that Cookie will help Dino in his dealings as a way to bond.

The plot moves forward as father and daughter navigate the dodgy and precarious labyrinth of their lives. The situation becomes hilariously complicated as they plunge deeper into the world of criminal activities. This odd team-up leads to lots of comical yet risky situations that keep audiences on their toes, laughing one moment and tensely suspenseful the next.

The film prominently features the clash of personality and lifestyle between Dino and Cookie. Peter Falk delivers a memorable performance as the tough and shrewd mobster, remaining believable even when sinking his teeth into the more comedic aspects of his character. Simultaneously, Lloyd captives the audience with her spirited portrayal of the fiery Cookie. She perfectly embodies the youthful charm, sassiness, and vitality of her character, stealing many scenes with her dramatically delivered lines and outbursts.

Dianne Wiest, as Lenore, brings the ideal balance of eccentricity and warmth to her character. She portrays a mother who is perpetually stuck in the flower-child era, engaging in illicit activities, and yet cares deeply for her daughter's well-being.

"Cookie" is more than just a crime-based drama. Susan Seidelman's keen direction often transforms the screenplay into an unprecedented study of familial ties in the strangest of circumstances. It’s a heartwarming portrait of a father and daughter getting to know each other for the first time—set against an unusual backdrop of mobsters, extortion, grudges, and capture.

Nora Ephron and Alice Arlen's screenplay leans heavily towards dark humor, loaded with clever lines and amusing sequences within the framework of the criminal underworld. The humor resonates throughout the movie but does not detract from the story's core emotional weight—the evolving relationship between Dino and Cookie.

The film's subtle attention to period detail, reinforced by stylishly retro costume design and evocative, hard-boiled New York City settings, adds another layer to the cinematic experience. With brightly lit cityscapes and the bustling rhythm of 80s life manifesting itself in every scene, the setting is as central to the movie as the characters themselves.

Topped off with a fantastic soundtrack brimming with 80's pop and old-school jazz, "Cookie" serves as a delightful, unique, and energetically paced cinematic treat. The brilliant performances from the lead actors and the nuanced storytelling from director Susan Seidelman make for an engaging film that still manages to touch heartstrings, amidst all the laughs and mobster activity.

Therefore, "Cookie" is a dynamic and vibrant film aimed at tweens and upward, showcasing a unique blend of organized crime and family dilemmas. Get ready for lots of laughter, a sprinkle of suspense, some fabulous one-liners, and a good dose of emotional poignancy. Enjoy this roller coaster ride filled with the adventures of a compelling mobster father-daughter duo managing the most unusual of circumstances.