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Pops Romano (Peter Falk), the reputed crime lord is indicted by a grand jury. He wants the
evidence against him stolen from the FBI but no one in his family can do it because everyone is known and is being watched by the police. No one, that is, except Corky Romano
(Chris Kattan), the youngest quirky son who was "banished" from the family long ago, and since then has lived happily as an assistant veterinarian. Recalled by his father,
Corky dutifully but reluctantly becomes "undercover" FBI Agent Pissant. Armed with the faked credentials of a super cop and knowing nothing about FBI work, he bluffs his way
through. Fumbling and bungling, he wins in cases assigned to him to the surprise and envy of some FBI agents. Most are stupefied by his tactics, including FBI agent Kate Russo
(Vinessa Shaw). His biggest assignment is to catch the "Night Vulture," a heroin drug dealer. Under pressure from his family and aware of the envious, watchful eyes of some
FBI agents, Corky blissfully undertakes his manifold tasks.
The ploy to make people laugh through the antics of a bungling fool is as old as the hills; in
this comedy, however, Chris Kattan tackles his role with such energy and zest that one forgets how many times one has come across these recycled situations and jokes. While he
overacts and exasperates at times, he entertains most of the time. The dichotomy of his basically kindhearted and brainless character is evident in his surprising victories
over his enemies in spite of his stupidities. He even uncovers and prevents a devious plot to ruin his family. The support cast works tightly as an ensemble to help make this
a successful, slapstick comedy. The photography, music and dialogue are not outstanding but they gel and help create comic ambience.
Some people can be turned off by the crude and vulgar humor shown. Examples: a lost, slithering
snake comes out of Corky's fly; he positions his behind to fart on the faces of the accused; he does mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on a dead dog. In spite of the inanities, one
can glean some positive values like the premium placed on family loyalty as well as solidarity and the acceptance of each, no matter what his shortcomings. One of the Romano
sons is illiterate, another is a latent homosexual, and the third, our reluctant "hero" has his embarrassing quirks. Just the same, the father proudly acknowledges all of them
in public. Clearing misunderstanding, love and forgiveness bring members of the dysfunctional family together. Another point brought up is the importance of recognition and
commendation, of any good deed by a parent or supervisor. In one scene, an FBI agent (Matthew Glave) reveals his hurts as he feels he is always overlooked in spite of his good
work. Psychologists would probably think this to be the cause of his envy of Corky. In a similar scene, the two older sons of Pops Romano reveal their heartaches for not
having been given equal opportunities for study and improvement as Corky. Parents and supervisors may learn something from this filmthat there is a need to treat all
children/subordinates equally in appreciation and affection. Also, the movie shows the possibility of a weakling turning into a mature person, given the appropriate
circumstances for change. Even from questionable situations, good may come.
(Date reviewed: January 25, 2002)
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