Watch Lucky Stiff
- NR
- 2015
- 1 hr 18 min
-
5.5 (184)
Lucky Stiff is a 2014 musical comedy film directed by Christopher Ashley and written by Lynn Ahrens. The film is an adaptation of Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's 1988 off-Broadway musical of the same name. The movie stars Dominic Marsh as Harry Witherspoon, a lonely British shoe salesman who unexpectedly inherits six million dollars from his recently deceased Uncle Tony. However, the inheritance comes with a catch - Harry must take Uncle Tony's preserved body on a vacation to Monte Carlo, or else the money will go to the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn.
As Harry sets off on the vacation, he finds himself in the middle of a web of lies and deception, trying to keep up appearances that seem to be constantly slipping. His travel companion is Rita LaPorta, Uncle Tony's former mistress, played by Nikki M. James, who forces Harry into helping her win a bet that she made with her mobster boyfriend, Vinnie Di Ruzzio, played by Dennis Farina. Meanwhile, a representative from the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn, played by Pamela Shaw, keeps a watchful eye on Harry, ready to claim the inheritance at the slightest hint of non-compliance with Uncle Tony's wishes.
The plot of Lucky Stiff is full of twists and turns, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end. The film's central theme is the importance of taking risks in life and living in the moment, rather than obsessing over the past or worrying about the future. Harry is characterized as a timid and introverted young man who has always played it safe, but his unexpected inheritance forces him to step out of his comfort zone and experience life to the fullest.
The musical numbers in Lucky Stiff are catchy and entertaining, with clever lyrics that complement the film's whimsical tone. The standout performer in the musical sequences is Nikki M. James, who delivers a stunning performance as Rita. Her rendition of "Times Like This" is a highlight of the film, showcasing her powerful vocal range and emotional depth as an actress.
The film's supporting cast is also noteworthy, with notable performances from Dennis Farina as the wise-cracking mobster and Pamela Shaw as the calculating representative from the dog home. However, the chemistry between Dominic Marsh and Nikki M. James is what truly brings the film to life, with their witty banter and unlikely partnership serving as the driving force of the narrative.
Overall, Lucky Stiff is a delightful and charming movie that is sure to leave audiences with a smile on their faces. The film's whimsical tone and catchy musical numbers make it a joy to watch, while its underlying message of living life to the fullest is an inspirational and uplifting reminder for audiences of all ages. Whether you're a fan of musicals, comedies, or heartfelt stories, Lucky Stiff is an excellent choice for a night of entertainment.
Lucky Stiff is a 2015 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5 and a MetaScore of 32.