Made

Made is an energetic, entertaining movie fused with humor, action, and smart dialogue, released in 2001, and it's brimming with the zest of independent filmmaking. The movie marries the styles of the mobster and buddy film genres, while extending the well-trodden tropes of both genres by offering a combination of astute observational humor and action.

The film stars Vince Vaughn as Ricky Slade and Jon Favreau as Bobby Ricigliano, two close friends who seem to share a brotherly bond, despite their starkly contrasting personalities. Vaughn, known for his quick wit and charm, plays Ricky, a motor-mouthed brash dreamer with an over-inflated sense of self, while Favreau, the stocky, brooding actor with a penchant for playing serious, grounded characters, delivers as Bobby, a level-headed, responsible, and determined individual.

Both Ricky and Bobby work in low-paid construction jobs while moonlighting as boxers in the grubby underworld of Los Angeles. They strive to make ends meet while dreaming of ways they can break free from their monotonous existence. Bobby also has a peripheral role as a would-be manager and protector of his stripper girlfriend, played by Famke Janssen. Through a series of events, they find themselves working for a local mob boss, played by the experienced Peter Falk, as they are ushered into the enticing but dangerous world of organized crime.

The essence of "Made" lies in the bumbling, inept foray of Ricky and Bobby into a world they hardly understand. The plot is thickened by a series of blunders and missteps, opening the floodgates of chaos and confusion around them. The hilarity of their situation is contrasted with the perilous realities of the underworld, leading us into a world of mobsters unlike anything seen before – more nuanced with all-too-human insecurities and eccentricities rather than the cliché sophistication and ruthless efficiency.

In addition to Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau, the movie also stars Sean Combs (P Diddy), who plays an English gangster, in an unconventional casting choice that turns out remarkably well. Famke Janssen, Faizon Love, Vincent Pastore, and Peter Falk form the rest of the main cast, each delivering impactful performances in their respective roles.

One promptly thanks Jon Favreau, not only for his impeccable acting but also for his direction and screenplay. His script, peppered with profanity-laced, quick-fire dialogues, gives the characters a decidedly human edge. This quality amplifies the authentic dynamic of Ricky and Bobby’s relationship, leading to some genuinely funny and emotionally impactful moments of brotherhood, betrayal, conflict, and loyalty. Meanwhile, Favreau’s creative control behind the lens lends a fresh perspective to the scenes in terms of comedy and drama, successfully blending both.

The uniqueness of Made comes from its careful balance between comedy, dark underworld antics, and the heartfelt emotion packed into its core – the complex friendship between Ricky and Bobby. The charisma that Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau bring to their roles and their exceptional chemistry are at the forefront of this movie, keeping one entertained and rooted in their journey from start to finish.

Joe Goossen adds a flair of authenticity to the film with his role as himself. Known for his boxing coaching skills, Goossen’s appearance brings credibility and genuineness to the boxing elements of the film.

With a runtime of approximately 94 minutes, Made successfully takes the audience through an engaging blend of beats from the start to finish. It is a sterling example of an indie take on a mobster film with comedic overtones. It may not adhere strictly to the traditions of the crime genre, but its innovative approach, backed by sturdy acting and a well-crafted script, proves to be its strengths, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.