Riff Raff has charm without becoming a fully satisfying whole. Dito Montiel's crime comedy brings eccentric people and considerable potential to a familiar setup.
Vincent has left his criminal past behind for a quiet life. The arrival of his chaotic family pulls him back toward dubious schemes, forcing a conflict between the peace he wants and loyalty to his relatives.
The ensemble gives the film much of its appeal. Jennifer Coolidge is particularly funny, finding laughs in odd behavior and sharply offbeat dialogue. Bill Murray adds dry humor and subtle melancholy. Vincent's inner conflict also provides moments of believable feeling.
The difficulty is the film's direction of travel. It repeatedly shifts between crime comedy and serious family drama without joining them convincingly. Some scenes seem to come from different screenplays. The changes can surprise, but they also make emotional involvement harder.
Visually, Montiel relies on conventional framing and conservative editing. With characters and situations this eccentric, more creative nerve might have helped. The film stays relatively bland where it could have supported its peculiar personality.
The struggle between personal quiet and family obligation deserves deeper exploration than it receives.
For me, Riff Raff is not a bad film, just one that falls short of its possibilities. Fans of the cast may enjoy its lighter comic moments. The ingredients are stronger than the finished meal.