Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dated '80s mob comedy is so-so; some cursing, nudity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Married to the Mob
What's the Story?
Even after her Mafioso husband dies, she's still MARRIED TO THE MOB. Angela (Michelle Pfeiffer) wants nothing more to do with the ruthless Russo crime family, so she gives away everything she has and goes into hiding in a tiny, run-down New York City apartment. But boss Tony Russo (Dean Stockwell) won't let her go that easily. The FBI then coerces Angela into spying on Tony, putting her right back into the hornets' nest just as she and Agent Mike Downey (Matthew Modine) start falling for each other. Will Angela ever be free, and can she forgive Mike's betrayal?
Is It Any Good?
The strong cast is the main attraction in Jonathan Demme's otherwise so-so '80s mob comedy. Unfortunately, the actors in Married to the Mob aren't enough to overcome a script that can't seem to decide how funny it wants to be, unless you count the dated '80s fashions as a character, too. Michelle Pfeiffer is charmingly strong and vulnerable at the same time, but watch out for the scene-stealing Dean Stockwell and Mercedes Ruehl.
It's good for a few chuckles, but no real laughs, and the predictable plot is not very compelling. There's not much for teens to relate to, but Pfeiffer's performance make Angela easy to root for. There are worse choices for a popcorn movie parents can watch with their teens who are old enough for the mature content, but there are a lot of better ones, too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Married to the Mob. How much is OK for kids to see?
How about the strong language? Was it realistic? Is it a big deal?
The scene with nudity is pretty brief. Does that make it OK for kids to see? What does it add, or take away from, the movie overall?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 11, 1988
- On DVD or streaming : June 13, 2000
- Cast : Michelle Pfeiffer , Matthew Modine , Dean Stockwell
- Director : Jonathan Demme
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Orion Pictures , Mysterious Arts
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 3, 2020
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