Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
All-star indie crime comedy is absurd, bloody, but clever.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Riff Raff
What's the Story?
In RIFF RAFF, former criminal Vincent (Ed Harris) and his family—wife Sandy (Gabrielle Union) and son D.J. (Miles J. Harvey)—are on a peaceful winter break vacation when Vincent's past life unexpectedly arrives on his doorstep for a very chaotic reunion. Things get even wilder when Vincent's ex-wife, Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge); estranged son, Rocco (Lewis Pullman); and Rocco's girlfriend, Marina (Emanuela Postachinni), confess that gangsters Leftie (Bill Murray) and Lonnie (Pete Davidson) are chasing them.
Is It Any Good?
It feels almost criminal that this over-the-top dysfunctional comedy is so genuinely entertaining. Dark, absurd, and bloody, Riff Raff leans into its powerhouse cast to carry the weight of balancing an offbeat mystery-crime-thriller plot with a poetically comedic revenge story. While it's not completely satisfying in originality or pacing, the movie has enough character depth, plot twists, and relatable messaging about family, love, and legacy to have a surprisingly profound impact on viewers—without taking itself too seriously.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how violence and death are depicted in Riff Raff. What do you think is the film's attitude toward criminals and gun violence?
What does this film have to say about a person's past? Do you think it's possible for someone to leave an extreme life of crime behind and lead a "normal" life? Why, or why not?
What does the film say about family, love, and legacy? Are these messages relatable to you? Why do you think the filmmakers chose a dark comedy theme to deliver these messages?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 28, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : March 21, 2025
- Cast : Jennifer Coolidge , Ed Harris , Gabrielle Union , Bill Murray
- Director : Dito Montiel
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Roadside Attractions
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some strong violence, pervasive language, sexual content/nudity and some drug use
- Last updated : March 30, 2025
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