Jon Favreau (Rudy) directs his screenplay for the somewhat mafia picture "Made." This is an awkward picture, in its visual telling, of which Favreau draws from his own comedic talents and those belonging to Vince Vaughn (Dodgeball) a.k.a. Mike and Trent from "Swingers." The picture is also written by Favreau.

"Made" follows Bobby Ricigliano, played by Favreau, as he attempts to make enough money to get his girlfriend out from under the clutches of organized crime head Max, played by Peter Falk (TV's Colombo). After agreeing to be a drop off man on a mission to New York City, Bobby is able to get his loud mouthed friend Ricky Slade, played by Vaughn, to work with him. Ricky thinks the mission is an opportunity to get in Max's good graces, while Mike sees it as his, his girlfriend's and her daughter's only way out.

The story boils down to Bobby's love for his girlfriend's little girl Chloe, which gives the film its heart. However, its heart doesn't get revealed until the final five minutes. Until then, the picture is about Ricky embarrassing Bobby everywhere they go and doing what they are instructed.

The movie's cinematography and style of shooting was a huge distraction to the story at hand. Blocking between characters appeared unrehearsed to the point where speaking characters were regularly blocked by their scene partners.

However, Favreau's dialogue is very punchy, as it was in "Swingers," which carries the film's entertainment quality. However, I suspect "Made" may have been a better picture overall if Favreau hired a director or kept himself behind camera. Even in the outtakes, among DVD extras, Favreau appeared disassociated from the material.

Vaughn and Favreau make a great comedy pair, as they did in previous projects. Vaughn's performance was very much to his liking and thus hit every beat. Favreau was status quo, playing Vaughn's straight man.

Peter Falk had interesting screen time, but I fear, after seeing him in "Corky Romano," he may be getting typecast late in his career.

Overall, I think "Made" is worth watching for a laugh and closing with an cute "awe." Otherwise, its production value is SO obviously low budget, it prevents me from giving this one more than an OKAY rating.

Benn - Where's the Humanity?