Swiss Newspaper Review Welcome To The Rileys'

cineman.ch: A damaged middle-aged man and a young prostitute set up house together.


Since their daughter died 8 years ago, Doug and Lois' marriage has been on the rocks. In New Orleans for a convention, Doug meets a young stripper that reminds him of his dead child and decides to stay to take of her, hoping he can help her find a way out of prostitution. Slowly these two broken souls form a relationship...


Although saddled with a predictable plot, the second film by Jake Scott, son of Ridley Scott, is nevertheless sensitive and moving, with some fine acting by stars James Gandolfini , Kristen Stewart and Melissa Leo.
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Berner Zeitung: An outsider is rehearsing the moving standstill


Despair, sorrow, death: Rarely someone has produced this as calm as Jake Scott with "Welcome To The Rileys".


It begins with a burning car. And a man lighting a cigarette in the dark, while others celebrate in the background. Whoever has expected a feel good movie, is realizing by now that "Welcome To The Rileys" is not an invitation, but rather a warning.
Director Jake Scott, son of master director Ridley Scott ("Alien," "Gladiator"), proves in his second film a feeling for outsider topics, which were a few years ago common in the American art-house cinemas but in recent times rare.


Tears, Pills, Affairs


Doug Riley (James Gandolfini, "The Sopranos") is a heavyweight mid-fifty and co-owner of a hardware store, has an affair with a dark-skinned waitress and goes in the garage to cry.
His wife Lois (Melissa Leo) has isolated herself from the outer world, and seeks her salvation in pills. The reason for this comes out only when Doug sets out for a business trip.


From the tombstone to the strip bar


What follows, could amount to nothing more than a classical tears-weeper-dramaturgy. But Ken Dixon's screenplay affords surprises which lift "Welcome To The Rileys" way above the average.


When Doug, whose wife has already bought a grave stone for him, arrives in New Orleans, he discovers the very young Mallory (Kristen Stewart, "Twilight") at a strip shed.
She reminds him so much of his deceased daughter, so he stays to look after her. It's this courage to standstill, which distinguishes "Welcome To The Rileys".


The characters will be granted the opportunity to try something - no guarantee that it will work. That makes Doug, Mallory and Lois in their loneliness so complex. And this film, despite some clichéd moments, so lovable.


"Welcome To The Rileys" has hit the Swiss-German Theatres last Thursday. Check the trailer, more reviews and your screenings HERE