Film Review: You Kill Me

Being a mafia member is serious business. It would have been impossible to think of it in a humorous way before the TV program The Sopranos. It also might not have been so successful if someone other than Ben Kingsley played the part of Frank. He is so deadpan and serious and yet I found myself laughing throughout. This is a delightful film. Frank is an alcoholic. He falls asleep while on watch of a mafia rival. His uncle sends him away to San Francisco to dry out and get himself back in shape. Dave is appointed by the mafia uncle to watch out for Frank. Frank goes to an AA meeting. It is so funny. Frank doesn’t want to speak up. When he finally does he tells everyone he is a killer. Nobody seems to be bothered by the fact. Luke Wilson is an AA member and befriends Frank. Frank also meets Laurel, beautifully played by Tea Leon. She supports him in his ‘line of work’ and even learns some of the tricks of the trade. They are the most unlikely couple but it is all in good fun in watching. Frank is offered a job in a mortuary. The irony is that this killer is now working to help make a dead body look beautiful.
In telling the story it sounds ridiculous. And perhaps it is except that the film is so well done. That Ben Kingsley is a superb actor! I have seen him in so many different roles. I will see any film in which he acts. He is a master.
The film is silly in storyline but very entertaining. There isn’t much else around so go for this light entertainment.