Rob the Mob

Rob the Mob, directed by Raymond De Felitta and released in 2014, is an intriguing crime drama movie intermingled with elements of romance and comedy. It presents the fascinating journey of its two lead characters in a distinctive narrative style marked by moments of thrill and captivating sequences. Featuring an impressive cast including Michael Pitt, Nina Arianda, and Andy Garcia, the movie offers an exciting blend of action, empathy, humor, and suspense.

The movie revolves around a young couple living in Queens, New York - Tommy (Michael Pitt) and Rosie (Nina Arianda). Tommy is brash and volatile, while Rosie is endearing and steadfast. Their love story forms the backdrop for a series of audacious robberies that they undertake. These aren’t your typical targets, but mafia social clubs of repute in New York City.

The story unfurls after Tommy's stint in jail where he befriends an old mobster who reveals an insider secret: Mob social clubs don't allow guns. Emboldened by this insight and driven by a reckless strain of desperation, Tommy, along with his girlfriend Rosie, begins robbing these clubs. However, this isn't just an ordinary crime spree but an almost Robin Hood-esque campaign against organized crime that fetches Tommy and Rosie local celebrity status.

Michael Pitt brings charisma and vulnerability to Tommy's character – a wayward rebel taking on the mafia mob. Nina Arianda complements him effectively as Rosie – unflinchingly supportive, yet nagged by the fearful anticipation of their dangerous path. Andy Garcia depicts an intriguing portrayal of the godfather-like figure, Big Al, leading the mob empire, who takes umbrage at the audacity of the young couple, thereby escalating the tension in the narrative.

The screenplay, written by Jonathan Fernandez, adeptly balances humor, romance, and suspense to create an engaging narrative around the bold and compelling exploits of the couple. The dialogues are crisp and moving. The organic humor provides a refreshing counterpoint to the movie's edgy theme. The tale of a quirky working-class couple fighting against arguably more sinister forces creates an unusual, attractive premise.

The movie is set in the backdrop of early 90s New York City, with the Gotti Trial sub-plot that serves as an interesting undercurrent to the central narrative. The movie aesthetically captures the era through its detail-oriented production design, costumes, and hairstyles. The retro soundtrack enhances the ambiance of the narrative, thriving in nostalgia and reflecting the romantic recklessness of the main characters.

Raymond De Felitta's meticulous direction comes forth as he threads the intimacy of the Bonnie and Clyde style romance with the larger-than-life heist sequences to create a fascinating narrative fabric. He masterfully integrates quintessential elements of a crime drama with a heartwarming story of love, recklessness, and reprisal. At the same time, he evokes empathy for the anti-heroes while portraying the mafia in an unconventional light - vulnerable and susceptible to reality.

Additionally, the cinematography brings out the gritty character of New York, presenting an authentic backdrop for this unconventional crime spree. Long shots of cityscapes and zoom-ins on the face of the characters highlight the stark contrast between the societal giants and the small-time robbers, making the film visually appealing and emotionally engaging.

Together with these cinematic elements, the well-meaning performances by Pitt, Arianda, and Garcia make the film an engaging experience. Each character is well-rounded and nuanced, adding depth to the story and elevating it beyond the surface tension of the crime narrative.

Rob the Mob isn't a movie that glorifies crime; rather, it is a film that delves deep into the characters' motivations and consequences based on their actions. It steadily builds up the plot, lingering on personal moments while maintaining the pace with meticulous, carefully-planned heists. It is a compelling film that keeps you riveted till the end, exploring the complexities of love, desperation, and the lengths humans can go when they make a stand. All in all, Rob the Mob serves as a unique addition to the galaxy of mobster and crime films.