Made (2001) User Reviews

Some laughs but a very average flick.

[SP-10 · 6/10 · 6 February 2002]

I tried not to have many pre-conceived notions about 'Made' before renting it. Then again, having Favreau/Vaughn together again will always conjure up thoughts of T & Mikey. Swingers may well haunt Favreau for the rest of his career. He alluded to that with his guest shot on 'The Sopranos'. It was a special movie, an instant classic which would be hard to top for any writer. 'Made' certainly tries to follow suit with the writing style but it falls flat. Vaughn (Ricky) plays a character who talks exactly like Trent but is more of a lunatic loser who's dream is to give up boxing to be a mob guy. Favreau (Bobby) is the level-headed friend who vouches for him while getting an assignment from his boss (Falk). All he wants is to get some $ so he can make better life for his stripper girlfriend & her child. Basically from there it splinters off into Ricky & Bobby trying to take care of 'the drop' in NYC for the boss (Falk). Ricky's "Goodfellas-like" mentality is causing headaches for Bobby who just wants to take care of business. I thought Sean Combs did a fine job playing himself essentially (a ganster living the high life). Yes, there are some funny lines but overall the movie is just too sloppy. It feels like a low budget flick, the camera work is not very good and the film takes no risks. Characters were not developed & the ending tries to be all sweet but I don't think enough was done to set that up. There were just too many missing ingredients. If Vaughn & Favreau want to do future films together maybe bring Doug Liman into direct it. He did a marvelous job with Swingers and maybe they could recapture some magic. It sure was missing in 'Made'.

Rating 6/10

Kept waiting for Vince Vaughn's character to get shot.

[jellytime091384 · 6/10 · 18 February 2017]

The basic arc of the story had some good elements to it. I enjoyed the exposition and build up. But I was going out of my mind watching Vince Vaughn's character steal the story. 2/3 of the movie is him being extremely annoying. After 10-15 minutes of it I was ready for something else.

Made With Plenty of Charlie

[Evolvist · 7/10 · 25 June 2002]

Peter Falk? How can his acting be anything other than a perfect 10? Peter Falk is undeniably `money!' But, he does not make the whole movie, however. Nay, Peter Falk is only one part of what I would call `Swingers with Balls.' Swingers was a great movie, but Made was even better. `Made' is more in your face! Sure Vince Vaughn is more obnoxious in Made, and sure the characters are pretty close to the same as Swingers; nevertheless, I have this distinct feeling that if Made were released first, instead of Swingers, Made would have been the movie people were talking about, and not the other way around. Maybe it is just my personality and my love for the shock value in movies, but I just feel that this one was more on the `money.' Did I mention Peter Falk's great acting? Oh yeah, there is some real talent and dark humor in Jon Favreau's writing and directing. Jon cannot afford to make too many more movies like this one, and I hope he has some other creative colors in his pallet, but only time will tell, and I would love to see some more dark humor from this guy.

outrageously outlandish interactions

[iainwatson · 6 February 2002]

Jon Favreau's 'proper' follow-up to 96's 'Swingers' see's him as part of a double-act with Vince Vaughn. The whole film is based around this double-act, and the various banter that passes between them - mostly ricocheting from Vaughn's outrageously outlandish interactions with everyone he meets, and Favreau's handling of the ensuing situation.

At times this makes for extremely funny entertainment, at other times however it makes for extermely cringe-inducing entertainment. Your not quite sure whether to love Vaughn's antics, or want him dead. Your also left wondering exactly WHAT Vaughn's character helped Favreau's out with in their younger days in order for Favreau to have such as deeply-routed tolerance and understanding for the man.... personally, I would have gotten rid of him years ago.

The story itself takes a backseat because of Vaughn's antics, which is a shame, cause there's some really juicy material in there. I would have loved to see more development between Favreau and his girlfriend, played by Famke Jansen, and also Jansen's daughter. Peter Falk (yes, 'Columbo') is absolutely brilliant as Max, the ageing boss, fully believable and a fully-realised characterisation.

Overall the film fit's together extremely well - the pace is fast, and you do get caught up in it... even during Vaughn's most cringe-worthy moments. Basically if you like 'Swingers' or general crime-capers, you'll love 'Made'.

Some Intriguing Characters Bogged Down in a Dumb Plot

[noralee · 6/10 · 22 December 2005]

"Made" has a lot that works well.

Best is the buddy relationship between writer/director Jon Favreau, as a well-meaning boxer, and Vince Vaughan as his best friend and verbal and literal sparring partner who just can't let well enough alone.

The characters are better than the plot, as they get bogged down in a picaresque trek through a very dark, fictional New York underworld. I lost track of some of the clues in what is in effect a scavenger hunt as they do an errand for Peter Falk's crime boss.

Poor Famke Janssen is miscast in an unfortunate role as yet another stripper girlfriend who exists only in Hollywood.

"Pussy" of "The Sopranos" helped to ground the crime part of the plot, and Sean Combs was adequate.

The ending is pleasantly not clichéd.

(originally written 7/27/2001)

Those who compare it to "Swingers" are missing the point - but it's still just an above-average flick

[MovieAddict2016 · 6/10 · 9 April 2006]

"Made" is nothing special. If it were graded as a separate film it would probably have gotten better reviews. However, because it draws immediate comparisons to the hit indie film "Swingers" from 1996, the general consensus drops even lower.

However, those comparing the two are missing the point of "Made." It's a separate film. It's not a sequel. Sure, there are a few self-referential moments (such as the scene in the hotel room when Vaughn brings back the girls and is going into the next room and leaves Favreau by himself, awkwardly, with Drea DeMatteo, which is an exact retreat of a scene from the other film) but overall it has an entirely different tone. It's darker, bleaker, less funny and a bit meaner. It's violent, and is about the Mafia, so whatever you think of "Swingers" - abandon your opinions at the door and take this in as a different film. Judge it as it is and not for what it could have been. Because although this isn't a great film it IS different than "Swingers" for the most part, and director Favreau goes for an entirely different approach, which is a good thing in my opinion.

The performances are still good - Vaughn doing his crazy-guy routine and Favreau playing the put-upon good guy with a heart of gold.

Overall, perhaps not worth a purchase, but maybe a rental.

Spritely but annoying

[paul2001sw-1 · 6/10 · 19 March 2008]

'Made' is a mildly amusing tale of a failed boxer who takes an assignment with a friendly Mafia boss to help himself out of hard times. The problem is, he feels obliged to bring an old acquaintance in on the deal; and this acquaintance is an egoistical idiot. The film is fairly spritely, but hardly brilliant: the idiot is such a complete fool it's almost impossible to believe that anyone could put up with him for more than a couple of hours; the insight into the criminal world is unoriginal; and what the heroes actually are supposed to do for their money is never remotely clear. It's watchable, but there's not really much point to it: a "comedy crime caper" that delivers nothing you would not expect.

Vince Vaughn Ruins this movie

[ccali-17686 · 4/10 · 26 June 2020]

Vince Vaughn's character is actually so annoying, it makes the movie literally insufferable.

The New-Age Odd Couple

[Duderinoman · 10/10 · 3 December 2001]

This is a much darker comedy than the breakthrough hit, "Swingers", to compare the two would be useless. The dialogue and chemistry between Favreau and Vaughn, though, is still at it's comedic best. Since Favs was directing this flick, he let Vince go all out on his character Ricky. The two longtime friends go to New York to do a mob job with little experience on how to do any kind of job. They, needless to say, get themselves into quite a bit of trouble along the way. The entire movie itself is hilarious, there is quite a bit of profanity and a strip scene at the beginning, but if you can handle that, you should enjoy yourself thoroughly. If it were up to me, Vaughn and Favreau would make a movie together once every other year. The chemistry is so money, baby.

Realistic and gritty stuff from Favreau. But not really an off-beat comedy.

[matthewwalker50 · 6/10 · 29 July 2012]

It's strange, but when I had finished watching the full 90 minutes of this unusual but decent Movie that it felt like I was watching a gritty drama rather than an off-beat, dark comedy. Vince Vaughn was decent, but never seemed to keep his mouth shut. Constantly harassing people and winding them up with 600 questions per minute. (It felt that much) His acting wasn't bad, but got on my nerves at times. Jon Favreau wasn't bad himself. The film actually opens up like an old Rocky film in a boxing ring with the huge US flag shown dominating the room. It definitely felt more realistic than any Rocky film and the cuts & black eyes looked real. Great job with the face make-up. At times it was almost documentary like as me myself loving realistic movies as I do, it made the film look promising. But the acting wasn't spectacular and I did find that Ricky Slade irritated me with the countless interrogations. Bobby & Ricky are sent on a job by bobby's father, Max, whom doesn't like or trust Bobby's lifelong friend Ricky because of an incident involving a carpet cleaning van. They fly across the states to stay at a luxury hotel. During the plane journey, Ricky constantly harasses a waitress who threatens to get him in deep trouble. They arrive at the hotel and it isn't long till they fight and smash a lamp because Ricky refuses to give Bobby the phone. The film certainly becomes darker and grittier from them on. I did think it was worth the watch, and with it not being a long Movie, I give it a 6.5 out of 10.

Rooting for Vaughn's character to die

[admin-46167 · 1/10 · 27 July 2021]

Whenever you see "wickedly hilarious" in the info run like hell. Didn't follow my own rule and wasted an hour and a half. Wickedly aggravating - yes, hilarious - not even a little bit.

Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau have done it again!

[LebowskiT1000 · 10/10 · 18 February 2002]

I don't think I could dare say that this was as good or better than "Swingers", but it was very good in it's own right. It's also a little hard to compare them because they are such different movies, but if I had to say one is better than the other, than I would have to choose "Swingers".

I can see how many people would find this movie very infuriating because you want to cringe just about every time Ricky Slade (Vince Vaughn) opens his mouth. As I was watching the movie I kept thinking to myself "How can someone be this stupid?!?!" But then I realized that I actually know some people like that. I usually don't like movies that focus on such ignorant people as Ricky Slade (Vince Vaughn), but I thought this movie did it just right and for some reason I liked it.

After watching the film, I figured that if you liked "Swingers", you would like "Made", but I read some of the other reviews on this site and it seems that my assumption may be incorrect. But then again, I did say myself that they are two very different movies.

This movie isn't your typical comedy, this one is full of situational-comedy, and all about the interaction between the two main characters. So, if you like that sort of thing, I think you'll enjoy this film.

The only problem I had with the film is Sean Combs (a.k.a. Puff Daddy or P. Diddy or whatever he goes by these days). I'm sorry, I don't know what it is, but I can't stand the guy! Although, I will say he did a MUCH better job than I anticipated. But I would have enjoyed the film more if he wasn't in it.

Some things to notice in the film include:

Take a look at the license plate on the limo, it reads "DBLDN11". This is a reference to "Swingers", "Always Double Down on 11".

Also, one of the guys at the bachelor party (the guy paying the body-guard/pimp) in the beginning of the movie is Tom Morello, bassist of "Rage Against The Machine".

The little girl in the film, Makenzie Vega, is the same little girl in "The Family Man". She is so cute, especially the way she talks.

Anyhow, I hope you enjoy the film as much as I did and thanks for reading.

-Chris

getitmade!

[j_graves68 · 7/10 · 6 April 2005]

I saw this opening weekend in 2001 with some free movie passes and I loved it! It was the best film of the year, and 2001 didn't have a whole lot to offer! So many other reviewers compare it to "Swingers", which they shouldn't. Very different movie. Same urban backdrop. Same actors. Completely different characters and plot. The various locations in L.A. I could relate with since I been to almost all of them; Ricky Slade (Vince Vaughn) was the most comically obnoxious a%$hole on celluloid in the past few years. The chemistry between he and Favreau is awesome. My friends at work and I would recite dialogue like a couple of dorks from that movie, and I tried to even impress my wife (back then my girlfriend) watching it after a night of partying. Didn't work- it's truly a guy's movie, but she married me anyway! I hope Favreau and Vaughn do another flick together. They can do a documentary on painting walls and it would be hi-lar-ious! "Made" is a film either you love or you hate: I chose the first since it takes too much energy to hate when you got a hangover & need a quick laugh...

BADBADNOTGOOD

[michaelnicholasluciano · 4/10 · 21 January 2018]

Yikes!

Swingers is one of my favorite movies. This movie is completely void of all of the charming aspects of the previous film featuring Favreau and Vaughan. Another review put it best " Vince's character is a 90 minute alarm clock to the ear " and all of the interactions between the main characters will make your eyes roll so much you will be sore by the time this 90 minute offering hits credits. Language feels like Sopranos but is very over the top for the various things that occur throughout the film. Early 2000's films are the worst

Vince Vaughn made this movie

[heat95pd · 20 April 2002]

MADE writer, director, and co-producer Jon Favreau did a good job with this film in that the movie was shot in twenty-six days. That is a very short amount of time in making a movie. With a low budget, Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn steal the show as two would-be boxers that are hired by a mob figure(Peter Falk) to settle business with another boss in New York City. Bobby(Favreau) and Ricky(Vaughn) dont know what is in store for them when they are confronted with the "real mob." Vince Vaughn is hilarious in this movie in that he tries to act like a typical mafia figure with money, women, and a rich lifestyle. He fails miserably in his attempts which backfire on him and Bobby completely. I remember seeing Jon Favreau as Sean Astin's best friend at Notre Dame in the movie RUDY, and as Cameron Diaz' husband in VERY BAD THINGS. I enjoy the work he does and RUDY is one of my personal favorites so that probably has something to do with why I like his work. I thought this movie was well worth watching although there is one thing i didnt like. The fact that Sean "P. Diddy" Combs was given the role of a mob boss didnt take to me very well. He should just stick to rapping and bag the acting. Other than that, I enjoyed watching MADE, especially Vince Vaughn's constant humor.

Some good laughs, but doesn't work as a whole

[mattymatt4ever · 6/10 · 6 December 2001]

Now, I've never seen "Swingers" and I'm still curious about the movie, even though I wasn't extremely thrilled with "Made." Watching the commentary, I heard Vaughn and Favreau mention that there were subtle references to "Swingers" sprinkled here and there, but I'm sure I didn't NEED to get those references to enjoy the film.

Don't get me wrong, I liked it to a degree, I definitely didn't loathe it. You can say this movie is smarter than most comedies in recent years. However, it drowns in excess. Of course, it can be most noteworthy for its two-hundred-or-so uses of the "f" word (in the commentary there's a funny moment where Favreau and Vaughn tally up all the "f" words used in a two- or three-minute scene which totaled about 43), but that wasn't one of the excesses that bothered me. First of all, the movie runs for only ninety-five minutes, yet it felt dragging. This is a not a three-hour epic drama we're talking about! Well, most of the film is dialogue-driven. Though I'm not totally against films that are dialogue-driven ("Clerks" is a good example of a dialogue-driven film that hits the mark), I felt the dialogue in this movie could've been trimmed. Surprisingly enough, Favreau mentioned doing a lot of editing (originally, he had about two hours and thirty minutes of footage). There were some funny moments that I just felt would've been funnier if they stopped the scene three minutes earlier and didn't wear it out. Though I was never totally annoyed by Vaughn's obnoxious character, I did feel somewhat annoyed when he would continue to gab on and on. I didn't feel the urge to yell "Shut up" in his ear, but I did feel like nicely telling him, "OK...that's enough. We get it." The arguments between Vaughn and Favreau do get repetitive. Early in the film, you want to laugh out loud when they start telling each other off. But as the film goes on, the conflicts lose their touch, to the point where they seem like two guests on the "Jerry Springer" show purposely arguing for the sake of arguing. Plus, I felt Favreau's character was so laid-back that at times it felt as if he was purposely like that so that Vaughn can shoot his mouth and he can get ticked off. I know he was supposed to be the straight man, but at times he just seems too straight for his own good and you wonder, "How the hell did these guys ever become best friends?" I know opposites attract, but this is ridiculous.

Sean "Puffy" (oh, I'm sorry--it's P. Ditty for anyone who cares) Combs is not the greatest actor. Wow, I'm surprised! However, he's only in the film for about twenty minutes and I can't say he ruined the whole movie. There are some amusing cameos--for example: Sam Rockwell as the flamboyant bellboy. Faizon Love (who's known for his many supporting roles in such films as "Friday" and "The Player's Club") is very funny as the bulky bodyguard. Peter Falk is great as Max. I grew up watching him on "Columbo," so it's great seeing him on screen after all these years. He's still got it!

The hand-held camerawork gets tiring after a while. I don't want to be cruel, but visually-wise this movie is poorly made. So we basically have to depend on the energy of the two leads to keep this film pumping. There are some obvious continuity errors, as well as one shot where you can see the reflection of the boom in the background.

I don't want to give away the ending, but I liked how the two characters evolved in the final scene. I found it amusingly ironic that they played the country song "Ace in the Hole" during the end credits. I can say the film ends on a happy note, without feeling forced.

"Made" is a fairly amusing comedy that just doesn't come together as a whole. Maybe if the dialogue was sharper and not as repetitive, it would've been a more tightly-knit film.

My score: 6 (out of 10)

Just okay

[mattid-83981 · 6/10 · 29 December 2020]

I actually like Vince Vaughn a lot (Swingers, Old School, Wedding Crashers), but he's just too annoying in this movie. His boisterous character takes away from a unique plot.

Not as cool as Swingers, but rent it for the reference

[dtripodes · 6/10 · 24 July 2007]

This flick wasn't as cool as Swingers. Vince Vaughn is put in the weak / dumb guy role, and that isn't his strength. Why does he have a fake gun at one point? We want Vince to be the mile-a-minute chatter box who is joking with everyone, sassing friends, and sweeping girls off their feet (think Swingers or Wedding Crashers). But it's cool in it's off-beat way and has it's moments.

It's great to see Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn together again. What you really want is a Swingers 2, but that kind of uniqueness is hard to repeat. Made is definitely worth a rental. Speed DVD it maybe (2x speed with high pitched audio if your DVD supports it).

Like a 90 minute alarm clock in your ear

[VoodooVince · 3/10 · 22 September 2003]

Aaaaaghhhhhh! Never in my life have I watched a film with a character so teeth nashingly annoying as Vince Vaughn's in this. I'm not sure what Favreau had in mind when he penned the screenplay but surely the most brain penetrating moron in film history was not his plan. It's a shame really as Favreau's screenplay has some laughs and his performance is nicely understated. The film is also wonderfully shot by super DP Christopher Doyle. There are other problems besides the intolerable Ricky Slade however. The film doesn't seem to move forward in any way and ultimately becomes a series of vignettes starring two bickering adults. There doesn't seem to be a clear narrative. So, some potential here washed down the plughole by a stumbling pace and the most idiotic creation to ever appear on screen. This film must be doing wonders for pharmaceutical companies punting headache pills so at least somebody gained from it. It sure wasn't me.

Niz

Funny.

[BHaller · 9/10 · 1 June 2002]

Haven't seen Swingers, but will HAVE to see it after this one. Like Guy Ritchie, Jon Favreau knows how to make funny, and not stupid funny. Dark and mature funny. Great movie. You can't help but wonder through the entire thing how Vince Vaughn's character escapes death. A must see for Favreau fans.

Great but annoying

[Bondo20 · 7/10 · 31 January 2002]

For the first time in my life, my main complaint of a film is that a

character was too well acted. Vince Vaughn's performance of the

guy who does everything the wrong way by being loud and dumb

is so convincing that you just wish he'd ge off the screen so your

eardrums can stop bleeding. But the movie itself is well crafted

with a smooth and funny plot. I just wish I could selectively mute.

The worst film of 2001

[boondocksaint20 · 1/10 · 1 June 2002]

With all the hype on all of the talk shows, the critics built up Made as this extraordinary independent film that was selling out theaters nationwide, and was one of those rare gems, like Pulp Fiction, that had become mass produced in theaters due to its popularity. I was really intrigued in seeing it when it came out on video and was expecting a great mafia movie with excellent dark humor. Boy, was I in for a surprise...of the worst kind.

This movie is awful. I cannot describe it any deeper...this movie is absolutely PAINFUL to watch. Writing a negative review usually entails picking the parts of the film that are not as good opposed to other moments that make the movie shine. This is one of those rare films, like the Mexican (see my review for that stink-fest) that everything in the film is HORRIBLE.

Let's start off with the characters...when a movie features horrible characters that are annoying to watch, and they receive top billing for the film, you know something is wrong. First off, Vince Vaughn's character is soooo annoying, you want to yank out your TV from the wall and throw it out the window. Trust me, he doesn't shut up for a second the entire movie. I know he was written to be like that, but he is given no funny lines at all.

Next, is the presence of P. Diddy, who I've never liked for many reasons, lack of talent being the primary, and coming a close second is his attitude...his facial expressions always act like he's trying so hard to be a tough guy, it makes me want to laugh just looking at him. P. Diddy has no acting talent, and does nothing but try to act tough, spouting out f-words like there's no tomorrow. First off, I don't mind profanity, I think it can be rather effective for realism or humor, and I don't mind it in excess if a film is using it for those reasons. But Made features more uses of the f-word than I have ever seen. Perhaps the shock value was supposed to cover up for the script, or lack there of. This film feautres "Big Pussy" from the Sopranos, Famke Janssen and Peter Falk, all of which have very little to do and don't add anything good to the script. And the ending was supposed to give a moral view on things, when we don't care about the characters at all in the first place (nor get the impression that anyone cares for anyone else...this is all implied). The movie is just horrible, it is one of those movies that you just get mad b\c you know Hollywood, the critics and their reviews have all deceived you in wasting 20 bucks to see. I used to like Jon Favreau, but I will never see anything in him again, unless of course he reemburses me for my time and money ;)

I rarely say this on IMDb, but....STAY AWAY FROM THIS MOVIE AT ALL COSTS!!! 1/10.

Very Well Made

[TheSlasherReviewer · 9/10 · 26 March 2012]

Jon Favreau wrote, directed, and starred in this very funny, very clever, well made film.

I absolutely love this movie, and am sad that it never got the attention it truly deserves. It's an above average film that didn't get much exposure.

All of the acting was great, and I enjoyed all of the different characters, but Favreau and Vince Vaughn were incredible. The scenes they were in together were hilarious and unforgettable. Neither of them disappointed me. A lot of people criticized Vince Vaughn because they thought his character was annoying. And he was! That was the point, he was extremely annoying, and extremely funny. He absolutely stole the show.

The overall tone of this movie was gritty and real, which fit with a movie about criminals in New York City. There was never a dull moment, and it never got me bored.

The only complaint I have about this film is the cussing. I'm not one to quiver after hearing an F bomb, but there are points in the movie, where it's used a couple times in a sentence repeatedly. It's not really that big a deal, but all I could think of. But if you don't enjoy cussing, that attribute of the film could turn you off.

This movie is amazing, and I urge everyone to see it.

Not bad but not Swingers.

[jviscomi · 6/10 · 14 January 2002]

"Made" made for a decent rental, but if you're looking for more of the "Swingers" magic, you'll be disappointed. Although there is some of the same back-and-forth between Vaughn and Favreau that made Swingers so much fun, the formulaic plot grows tiresome and Vaughn's character became so grating that I found it difficult to watch portions of the movie. As for Sean "P. Diddy" "Puff Daddy" Combs, he must have gone to the same acting school and Emeril and Sofia Coppola.

If you're looking for a comical movie about crooks, you'd be better off renting "Snatch."

Created, Not Written

[B24 · 3/10 · 21 March 2003]

Students of cinema should add this film to their list of productions that fail primarily because of the lack of a script. When characters are told by the director to take a concept and wing it, the result may be pure genius or -- in this case -- something that reflects life too closely to be art. Anyone who has been around real people as shallow and uninteresting as the two main characters here (Falk's is an exception; he would be a pro even if he read the telephone directory aloud) either identifies with them or finds them toxic. So much for the evident polarities of reviews for this film thus far.