Directed by Jake Scott. Starring James Gandolfini, Melissa Leo, Kristen Stewart, Ally Sheedy, Joe Chrest, Tiffany Coty 15A cert, Screen, Dublin, 110 min
MORE THAN a decade after the potty Plunkett & Macleane, Jake Scott, son of Ridley, returns with a film that plays like an act of atonement. As sober and disciplined as that highwayman picture was unhinged and disordered, Welcome to the Rileysallows three fine actors to pout, mutter and emote to good effect. The film doesn't take off until its final half-hour. But it remains touching and believable throughout. You could do worse.
The Rileys live in a state of deadened denial. Some years after the death of their daughter, Doug (James Gandolfini) smokes cigs and dallies with a waitress while Lois (Melissa Leo) mopes in agoraphobic misery.
On a business trip to New Orleans, Doug suffers a sudden, only vaguely explained rush of blood to the head. He makes friends with a sex worker (Kristen Stewart) and decides to move into her apartment. Rather than availing of her services – offered in explicit language – he unblocks the lavatory and urges her to get a little order back into her life. Then Lois gets in her car and makes for the Crescent City. Conflict ensues.
Cut to the gentle rhythms of post-classical Hollywood pieces such as The Rain Peopleand Five Easy Pieces,the film offers its three stars many opportunities to stretch their muscles. Gandolfini gets to huff and puff his way through another male menopause. Leo is super at allowing hints of inner turmoil to leak out through an impassive façade. Stewart confirms that, like Robert Pattinson, she has the chops to survive the imminent demise of a certain vampire franchise.
Welcome to the Rileysdoes want for pace. But it looks like the work of a serious film-maker with a good eye for potent shots and a talent for allowing actors to breathe. You are forgiven, Master Scott. Now get on with your life.
