Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice: Double the Vaughn, Double the Fun

Premiering at this past South by Southwest Film Festival, writer-director BenDavid Grabinski’s Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice changes up the action comedy just a bit with a silly gimmick that is just silly enough to work, setting the tone for a fun and zany yet action-packed caper. Best enjoyed after turning one’s brain off, there’s no point in getting bogged down in details that ultimately don’t matter. On the other hand, what does matter is the trio (or quartet) of stars plastered all over its promotional material, Vince Vaughn, James Marsden, and Eiza González. For those wondering why there are two Vince Vaughns, there is a reason, but this little circumstance is implemented in inventive ways narratively and through well-choreographed sequences. He, Marsden, and Gonzalez make for a formidable dynamic, hilariously playing off of one another and getting down and dirty when they have to. The story can get dark and brutal at times, so the humor helps lift the film up as it balances the tones with ease, something that comes easier when it already doesn’t take itself too seriously. It may not be the most highbrow fare out there, but it succeeds at what it sets out to do, and that is to entertain. Shot in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, eagle-eyed audiences are likely to spot some surprises.

Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice takes place over one fateful night, where gangsters Mike (Marsden) and Nick (Vaughn) must survive, and protect Mike’s lover and Nick’s wife Alice (Gonzalez). Devoting years of their lives to a large crime syndicate known as ‘The Organization,’ Mike wanted out. However, Nick needed him for one last job before he could leave for good once the night is over. That being said, it wasn’t going to be just any night. Adding another wrinkle in the proceedings, a time machine added another Nick to the mix, one from the future. The difference between the two Nicks, Present Nick and Future Nick, was that the latter has already gone through the night and that experience has allowed him an added perspective in trying to do it right this time around. While playing both Nicks off of one another was fun to watch in and of itself, getting Mike and Alice on board with what has happened was another challenge altogether. Above all else, much of the fun is watching these characters and how they would find their way out of this situation. A final hurrah of sorts for Mike and Nick, this was their last chance to save their flailing friendship before it was too late.

This new dynamic came with an adjustment period, but it’s nothing that Future Nick couldn’t handle. Trying to keep both Nicks in check set Mike and Alice on an adventure, as Mike found himself with a target on his back thanks to the ‘Organization.’ Hoping to achieve a different result, Future Nick was on a mission to make it right. Operating on a different level than the others, this left he, Mike, and Alice with a lot to unpack in the middle of the crisis that threatened their lives. Dropping audiences at the start of the night, much of the gaps in development are filled by exposition, but it only works when it comes from our main characters. From anyone else, it comes off as silly and overly piled on for comedic effect. In the end, the only way Mike, Nick, and Alice are ever going to escape the grasp of the ‘Organization’ is through, putting them on a direct collision course with its head Sosa (Keith David), and his son Jimmy Boy (Jimmy Tatro).

Paving the way for what was only a matter of time, the fiery climax of Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is the best part of the film, as the titular quartet go toe-to-toe with Sosa and his forces, who all happen to be celebrating Jimmy Boy’s release from prison (going from the party, to the after-party, and the after-after-party). The frenetic pace of the finale, along with the strong fight choreography and camerawork that can keep up with it all, add up to an absolute blast, with emotional stakes to boot. However silly the film may be, Vaughn, Marsden, and González help keep it afloat. Without them, the film would arguably have not fared as well as it did. Fitting the roles of Mike, Present Nick, Future Nick, and Alice so effortlessly, they make characters who aren’t exactly the deepest on the page come to life. It’s hard not to think of anyone else playing them. Vaughn brings his trademark snark to both versions of Nick, while avoiding making him one note. Gonzalez is a scene-stealer as Alice, a character who seemingly works as a bridge between Mike and Nick. More than just someone along for the ride, she holds her own and can set the others guys straight if need be. Marsden’s Mike feels like the character along for the ride in this scenario. The one with the most emotional stakes, his arc is shortchanged at the expense of the story as a whole. Nevertheless, his chemistry with Vaughn and Gonzalez solidifies their winning dynamic.

Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, and its quirky premise, help elevate it above other recent action comedies, albeit slightly, delivering a hilarious action comedy whose stellar cast helps carry it across the finish line.

still courtesy of 20th Century Studios

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.