Ray McKinnon in "Randy and the Mob"
courtesy of Capricorn Pictures
“A Movie About Good Ole Boys”

Ray McKinnon, Walton Goggins and McKinnon's wife Lisa Blount joined forces a few years ago to create the short film "The Accountant." It won an Oscar. Later they created and starred in "Crystal," and it too was much acclaimed. Then they created their first full-length feature film and it was titled "Randy and the Mob." This film that is full of southern charm is now available on DVD.

"Randy" tells the story of a southern businessman named Randy (McKinnon) who has gotten over his head in debt to the mob. To try to get their money the mob sends a man named Tino (Goggins) to manage Randy's business affairs.

When he first arrives Randy is enthusiastic about Tino's help, but later he comes to resent him because everyone loves Tino. He wins over Randy's wife (Blount), his son (Sam Frihart), his mother and most especially Randy's gay twin brother from whom Randy is estranged.

The climax of the movie occurs when Franco (Paul Ben-Victor), who is the head of the mob, comes to town to collect his money. This is when Randy truly learns who his friends and supporters are.

The movie is different enough and quirky enough to make it entertaining. McKinnon is amazing as the two brothers. They look the same but act nothing at all alike. Only a skilled actor could create two such disparate characters in the same film and make them both believable.

Goggins steals the movie as Tino. This role is light years away from his role as one of the detectives on the acclaimed FX series "The Shield." Goggins makes Tino a man unlike all others in this small southern town, yet one who is embraced by the entire community. It is a beautiful performance in a truly unique role and showcases Goggins' versatility.

Lisa Blount also has some good moments as Randy's long suffering wife. She is a woman going through depression while at the same time having some physical disabilities. She and McKinnon work well together as actors but she also responds to Goggins unique talents in their scenes together.

"Randy and the Mob" is a movie that grows on you from the first frame of film to the last. Its simple but quirky story matched with its oddball but appealing characters make it a movie that is fun to watch. And these days that is a rarity. Search this one out and watch it. You will be surprised at how much fun you have.

“Live Animals” is a horror film along the “Saw” series lines. So if you decide to watch it you better know what you are getting into. This is a film which is definitely not for the kids. It is all about a group of people being kidnapped and held in a horse barn. They are “trained” and tortured and eventually killed. A sadist is in control.

Some people like to watch this kind of movies, which is why the “Saw” series is now up to episode 6. Why, I don’t know but to each his/her own. Just don’t rent/buy “Live Animals” thinking it is a sweet story about some family pet.

One of my favorite TV shows from last year was “Fringe” and I can hardly wait for the second season to begin. I liked it for its sci fi plot and I especially liked it for its cast. Anna Torv plays the lead FBI agent investigating strange things that are occurring in the United States, particularly on the east coast.

Joshua Jackson, whose career I have been following since “The Mighty Ducks”, plays the son of a scientist who is crucial to the investigation. The scientist, played brilliantly by John Noble, is the key to solving the mysteries.

“Fringe” is a super series and one you should be watching. By getting “Fringe: The Complete First Season” you can watch all of the episodes back to back and also see bonus features. Get this DVD set now!

I missed the HBO series “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” when it aired but love that it is now out on DVD. Based on the novels by Alexander McCall Smith, this seven episode series stars Jill Scott as Precious Ramotswe. She and her secretary Grace (Anika Noni Rose) investigate a variety of cases and always end up successful in some way, shape or form.

The series is shot in the beautiful land of Botswana and the landscape is as entertaining as the stories. This is a unique series and one that should be seen. Make sure you join Precious and Grace as the investigations begin.

Another series I enjoy is “Rescue Me.” Denis Leary is just quirky enough to hold my attention and the combination of drama and comedy in the series is fascinating. So I always look forward to the time when the previous season is released on DVD.

That time is now and “Rescue Me: Season Five Volume One” is now in stores. There are eleven episodes here plus a blooper reel, deleted scenes (my favorite add-on) and featurettes about the “making of.” This was also the season where Gina Gershon dropped by for a few episodes. Love that Gina!
 

 

 

 

 

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

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