Tour de Force satirizing "mob justice".

This is one of those rarities in film, due to the direction by John Huston, which also featured his daughter Angelica. If that were not enough, add the likes of Jack Nicholson, Kathleen Turner, Robert Loggia, William Hickey and John Randolph. Welcome to Huston Country.Director John Huston does a brilliant job of juxtaposing a romantic comedy with mob-directed violence, in this adaptation from Richard Condon’s novel. This is a black comedy as only John Huston could capture - way before anyone knew who “The Sopranos” were. This walk on the dark side showcases why some actors remain “stars”. Huston weaves a black web of loyalties, deceits, and schemes so out there you just have to laugh . Prizzi’s Honor features Jack Nicholson, as Charlie Partanna, godson to Don Corrado ( William Hickey),who is not the brightest bulb, and sometimes appears rather dimwitted. He is the family hit man. Enter the broad: killer Kathleen Turner, as “Irene”, as an independent “hit” operator. The chemistry between these two explodes onscreen. Watching Nicholson play a smitten character, falling for someone, especially outside the family is a visual treat. Charlie himself admits that he doesn’t know whether to "ice her or marry her". Together , Irene and Charlie make a rather funny, sometimes romantic couple, whether they are “comparing notes” or “contractors in love” . Their romance is threatened by the woman Charlie scorned, played by Angelica Huston. Nepotism in a “family” movie? How appropriate. Angelica, as the jilted “Don’s” grandaughter , Mae Rose, etched herself into a poisonous, villainous portrayal, for which she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Mae Rose loved Charlie all her life, and had been dishonored in the eyes of the family, due to their break up. She is determined to get back in with the family, and with Charlie, and she has her own way of icing the competition, no guns or knives needed. Her scheme sets into motion a chain of events that leaves the whole family not knowing who to trust, and loyalties are questioned, and Charlie's are put to the test. Don Corrado Prizzi is indeed a lovable but deadly senior citizen. Yes, this film is highly entertaining, witty and at times zany. However, as directed by John Huston, it also has layers of subtle menace as it examines darker regions of humanity. This is one of my favorite movies and I highly recommend its viewing. - Devon Maris -