Mafiosa (I) (2006– ) User Reviews

A unique and hilarious approach to mob mania

[sharon-294 · 8/10 · 30 July 2006]

I saw this pilot at the film festival and thoroughly enjoyed the presentation. I was greatly impressed with the originality of having a female head of the mob and found the actress very engaging. I found the subtle patter between the characters very a funny and unique approach dialog styling. Probably, the most impressive acting was the mother figure but I found all of the characters believable. Not only was the acting good but the fast paced comedic style made this easy to become immersed in the plot. I usually don't like anything that is connected to the mob because of the violent undertones but this was actually presented in a subtle way that that I found the subject palatable. I loved the idea of a female mob boss.

A Diamond In The Rough

[cute_little_seniorita · 8/10 · 7 August 2006]

This was a very clever story. While I thought this movie had some rough edges, I could see that this could turn out to be a real gem. The picture itself wasn't the best quality as it didn't seem to fit on the screen, and some of the acting left a little to be desired, but overall I could see myself watching it if it came on television. I know that this didn't cost a lot of money so I kept thinking about how good this could be if they really did have the money to get great actors and writers to write great episodes.

My favorite character was "Sal" who was in my opinion was a standout. The other characters were good but not exceptional. My second favorite was the woman who played, "Toni". I would love to see her again in another episode. This is my first comment so I don't know the technical terms to describe what I liked about it but basically, it was just a fun story to watch and I hope this gets picked up. I know it will be a success. Best of luck to the cast and crew for making a cute little film which could turn out to be a great little series.

Why isn't this series on the network? Far better than most!

[gojomusic · 8/10 · 22 September 2006]

With all the terrible shows that are coming out on the networks, you would think the TV execs would be smart enough to grab something like this.

Brooke Lewis is perfectly cast as the lead character. In spite of the fact that they couldn't make full use of the production value because they only had a small TV pilot budget, she still manages to shine.

If the networks could have been involved, the producers could have made a more elaborate production with a bigger budget. To add to their obstacles, they have no names involved but in spite of those hurdles, they made a terrific show! The clever part of the script is casting Brooke Lewis and Bobby Costanzo as a father and daughter of a mob family that doesn't have to go out and kill and maim anyone to survive . Costanzo and the others just continue to fumble their way along, trying to find a way to keep their heads above water -- before their organization, or what's left of it, sinks like a rock!! Brooke very subtly maintains control of her father throughout and with her brains (she went to Harvard -- Harvard Beauty School, that is) she manages to help this family survive.

An added bonus is seeing Brooke's talent and beauty which explains how she influences the members of the family. See this film and you will understand why she has impressed me so much.

Funny, well acted and directed....

[elricson · 9/10 · 21 July 2006]

I found this quite entertaining.

It was shot well and the characters were funny without trying too hard.

This should definitely have a place on a cable network.

It is superior to dozens of shows that are wasting time and space.

The two main actors, Bobby Constanzo and Johnny Williams are excellent--I can tell they have been in the business a long time.

Kudos to the writers, cast and crew. They should be proud of this show.

I thought the festival audience really enjoyed it.

I can't wait to see it in HD--that will be cool.

Thanks, RC

This movie might have been a cliché but for the superior acting and fine direction.

[credenza-1 · 10/10 · 27 July 2006]

I thought that the acting was very good as well as the direction, for a film which admittedly does go-over some really "tried and true" ground, I really thought that the people in it made it better than average and the directing was superb.I thought that I had found out all I really needed to know about the Costra-Nostra and being an Italian-American, that was enough for me. However this film is cute and sweet and it has a lot of heart. I believe many people would enjoy it, if they were to view it on a cable Network. CONGATULATIONS to a little show that could. The film makers should be praised for making it the best it could possibly be for what looks to be an obviously LOW BUDGET!

I really hope they make a series out of this. I love all Mafia stuff

[annepietro · 8/10 · 1 September 2006]

Mafiosa will make an excellent TV show. All of the actors are excellent! People are saying they don't understand it, which confuses me. It's great entertainment! Italian Mafia men (and women) are talking and living their life, and you see what goes on. It's going to be exciting when it is finally gets on the air! The writer, Michael Z. Gordon has sculpted a very clever script and I'm sure the best is yet to come. How could it be a horrible show when such veteran actors as Bobby Costanzo and Johnny Williams display their best work in this hilarious comedy. No one who has watched this show once can say they did not laugh or chuckle for most of the 30 minute period!

This was a great idea for a series!! Funny and Original!!

[aaronia1 · 8/10 · 3 August 2006]

There are so many bad programs out there right now that I hesitate to turn the channel on my television. Especially bad are the many reality shows that clog the airwaves every night. It was refreshing to watch something a little different. I saw this in Boston and the quality of the film was pretty bad but I learned later that it was due to the screening equipment rather than the film itself.

I'm not a critic so I watch a program strictly for the entertainment value. Nothing else. If there is is a car that wasn't supposed to be in the shot or a line that didn't work, who cares? I certainly don't. I thought this film was funny and I laughed for much of the show so that's about all I can expect from a comedy.

So, if I were a critic, I would give it a "Thumbs Up". Definitely worth watching.

I Love Mafia Movies

[babyhayhayrocks · 7/10 · 17 August 2006]

That's probably why I like this one so much. It's funny but not over the top. You can tell that this wasn't a huge production but they still managed to get the point across anyway. You can't take this film too seriously but why would you? It's a comedy! So, if even though it has its flaws (what film doesn't?), I would still recommend this movie to anyone. I loved the characters, especially Bobby Costanza whom I've seen in many films, and also Johnny (Roast Beef) Williams who also has been in a zillion films.

So, if Mafia is you game, then Mafiosa is the name -- of the movie, that is.

Were we watching the same movie? This film was very funny!

[americana_films · 8/10 · 18 July 2006]

This was a presentation pilot which had its world premiere at the Boston International Film Festival. The acting was excellent and the film was very funny. The audience laughed throughout the entire screening. Afterwards, the producer was asked to come down and discuss the film with the audience. While it's true that the quality wasn't that good, he explained that it was shot in HD but it lost something in the transfer for the screening.

The premise was a deftly executed by two veteran actors Johnny (Roast Beef) Williams and Bobby Constanzo ("Goodfellas", "Analyze This" "Forget Paris", etc.). Brooke Lewis was excellent in her debut performance as the daughter of the mob boss (Costanzo) who wanted to take over as head of the family. Costanzo was hilarious as the delusional boss of this dysfunctional family.

All in all, it was a wonderful presentation for a low-budget pilot. I read in the trades where they are talking to several television channels about the pilot so I guess I'm not the only one who thinks this is a winning premise. I'm looking forward to seeing this series on the small screen in the near future.

Wow, just watched a rerun of the pilot episode! Great!

[Jakefoerster · 9/10 · 22 June 2012]

I happened to see the pilot episode of this series and I loved it. I don't know why they didn't shoot any additional episodes but if they did, I couldn't find any of them on any of the channels.. The daughter of the "Don" is played by Brooke Lewis, who wants to run the mob because her father is getting a little fuzzy in the head and seems to be getting more and more forgetful.

However, her father's reply is, "No woman is going to be the the head of my mob, not as long as there is a hair on my head" -- which shouldn't have been too long considering the fact that he hardly has any follicles left growing between his ears. Very clever writing by Gordon who also produced the series. The daughter is determined to figure out a way to wriggle her way into running the mob so when they start interviewing prospects for a replacement, she comes up with a hilarious idea for a candidate as the mob's new leader. But this new mob boss isn't exactly what she/he seems to be.