WiseGirls (2002)

WiseGirls Poster

Meg, Raychel and Kate are three waitresses at a restaurant frequented by mob bosses. Their lives become complicated when one of the women witnesses a crime, and the three friends suddenly find themselves entangled in their customers’ dangerous world.

Overview
"WiseGirls" is a 2002 American police procedural movie directed by David Anspaugh with a script written by John Meadows. This thriller movie features an all-star cast, consisting of Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino, Mariah Carey, and Melora Walters. The plot revolves around the lives of three waitresses operating in a pizza parlor on Staten Island, New York that's run by the Mafia. The movie debuted at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival and was internationally launched on home video later on that year.

Plot Summary
Mira Sorvino stars as the protagonist, Meg Kennedy, an once promising medical trainee who has moved to Staten Island from Philadelphia following an individual disaster. Searching for a new beginning, she lands a task as a waitress at local Italian restaurant, Santino's, uninformed of its mafia connections. She meets and forms a close bond with her 2 colleagues; the tough and skilled Raychel, played by Mariah Carey, and the naive Kate, portrayed by Melora Walters.

Meg quickly proves her worth at the restaurant and is quickly drawn deep into Santino's mob-run operations, including large amounts of illegal drug money. As the 3 ladies dive deeper into this dangerous world, their bond of relationship is evaluated as they browse lies, betrayal, and hazards to their lives.

Key Characters and Performances
The 3 leading ladies provide engaging performances, each character having their own unique character and quirks. Sorvino as Meg masterfully shows a complicated woman afflicted by previous trauma while trying to reconcile her participation in illegal activities. Carey is remarkably trustworthy as Raychel, showing her performing chops in a gritty role that moves away from her typical glamorous image. Walters shines as the naive and innocent Kate, whose rely on her pals pushes her into a treacherous scenario.

Vital Reception
"WiseGirls" gotten combined evaluations from critics. Some reviewers praised the efficiencies of the three leads, especially Sorvino, acknowledging her ability to bring depth to Meg's character. Nevertheless, criticisms were mainly directed towards the film's movie script and its dependence on mafia film clichés. In spite of the criticisms, the film managed to develop a cult following over the years for its unique representation of female relationship in the middle of the tense and dangerous mafia world.

Conclusion
"WiseGirls" is a guild drama that celebrates female relationship while diving into the world of organized crime. The film does an excellent task in representing 3 dimensional females, each facing their options, mistakes, and hopes in the face of danger. While the film did not have a significant theatrical release, it is still worth an expect its strong efficiencies and fascinating explorations into the mob underworld.

Top Cast

  • Mira Sorvino (small)
    Mira Sorvino
    Meg Kennedy
  • Mariah Carey (small)
    Mariah Carey
    Raychel
  • Melora Walters (small)
    Melora Walters
    Kate
  • Arthur J. Nascarella (small)
    Arthur J. Nascarella
    Mr. Santalino
  • Saul Stein (small)
    Saul Stein
    Umberto
  • Joseph Siravo (small)
    Joseph Siravo
    Gio Esposito
  • Christian Maelen (small)
    Christian Maelen
    Frankie Santalino