The Kitchen (2019)

In 1978 Hell's Kitchen (a neighborhood in midtown Manhattan), three powerful members of the Irish mob are arrested by FBI agents. Although the mob promises to take care of their wives while their husbands are in jail, the money provided is insufficient. They decide to take matters into their own hands. Based on a comic book series (or is it graphic novel?) and directed by Andrea Berloff. This film is remarkably similar to last year's WIDOWS but not as good. Still, considering the horrible reviews it has received, I was surprised at how entertaining it was. Which doesn't mean it's a good movie, just an enjoyable watch. The film's three leads (Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, Elisabeth Moss) are at their career peaks and probably can have their pick of roles right now. Why they chose this second hand feminist manifesto about women taking power is anybody's guess though I suppose it might have looked great on paper. The actresses acquit themselves admirably and there's a nice turn by Margo Martindale as bitch of a "Godmother" who runs the Irish mob. It's not a must see but if you go in with lowered expectations, you just might be pleasantly surprised. With Domhnall Gleeson, Brian D'Arcy James, James Badge Dale, Annabella Sciorra (nice to see her back) and Common.