About the film (courtesy of Warner Bros.):
Based on the Vertigo comic book series from DC Entertainment, the film stars Oscar nominee Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish and Elisabeth Moss as three 1978 Hell’s Kitchen housewives whose mobster husbands are sent to prison by the FBI. Left with little but a sharp ax to grind, the ladies take the Irish mafia’s matters into their own hands—proving unexpectedly adept at everything from running the rackets to taking out the competition…literally.
Melissa McCarthy is following up her last non-comedy film, Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018), with another that appears to be even more serious. Have no misgivings here. Despite McCarthy and Tiffany Haddish sharing two-thirds of the lead, The Kitchen is not about furthering either of their well-documented comedic careers. If anything, this pair, along with Elisabeth Moss, just put the cinematic world on notice that they’re equal to the tough task at hand.
First time director Andrea Berloff jumped at the opportunity to show the world just how little gender matters in a story that’s done right. The Kitchen has all of the traditional elements of a good mob movie but it’s the bold feminism that will make you take notice. If this plot was set in current times there would be far less of an impact on what is being attempted here. The fact that it takes place in the 1970s when chauvinism was worn like a favorite pair of jeans and racism was the belt that holds them up, gives the plot the fuel needed to light the fire under today’s audiences.
Looking back at how things were not THAT long ago, makes one wonder how we could be so complacent. McCarthy, Haddish and Moss smack audiences square in the face with their daily troubles. Trying to survive as women was tough enough, doing so in a world of crime was unheard of. Brian d’Arcy James, James Badge Dale, Common, Domhnall Gleeson and Bill Camp help round out this cast of talent. The characters all have a purpose, some are just ones you want to hate throughout.
There’s a lot covered during the 102 minute runtime. That said, it does feel a tad bit slow and excessive at times. The pace never slows to the point of boredom thankfully, but it does feel a little empty on occasion. And what’s a good street crime movie without some good old fashioned blood and busted heads? The Kitchen keeps the R-rated vibe right near the top at all times. There’s no doubting that there’s a definite respect paid to the films that have paved the way for this project.
Andrea Berloff does a very solid job of balancing a complex storyline without losing sight of the end goal. The Kitchen may spin its wheels a bit, but Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish and Elisabeth Moss all bring their A-games and audiences will appreciate the inner strength they display in the dire of situations. Be prepared for harsh language, graphic violence and an engaging plot that will keep you hooked most of the way through. You can check out this change-of-pace gritty crime drama in theaters today.
