Ben Kingsley plays Frank Falenczyk, chief assassin for the Polish mafia in Buffalo. This crime syndicate is not exactly dominating the market (they supplement their income with a snowplow business), but what little they do control is in danger of being taken over by the Irish outfit led by fellow mobster Edward O'Leary (Dennis Farina). When Frank bungles a hit on OLeary due to his constant drinking, his boss (and uncle) Roman (Phillip Baker Hall) orders him to San Francisco to dry out. Frank is ultimately forced to accept a job at a mortuary, and go to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, where he confesses his job, explaining that he wants to be free of his drinking problem because it's affecting his ability to kill effectively. Directed by John Dahl, this black comedy defies pigeonholing as Franks life takes many unexpected twists and turns to its quite satisfying end. The fact that this film is able to get you to root for a guy who is trying to kick the bottle so he can murder is quite the accomplishment.
Jesse Gumbarge is editor and chief blogger at JarvisCity.com - He loves old-school horror films and starting pointless debates. You can reach out at: JesseGumbarge@JarvisCity.com
