“Review: ‘Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice’ Delivers Must-See Time-Travel Comedy”

BenDavid Grabinski takes a bold swing with a film that marries gangster tropes and time-travel sci-fi. The result is a dark, high-energy comedy that often surprises.

This review finds Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice a must-see time-travel comedy for viewers who like genre-bending cinema.

Opening and central setup

The movie begins with Ben Schwartz in an unexpected warehouse musical moment. He sings “Why Should I Worry?” from the 1988 Disney film Oliver & Company.

That playful opening collapses into jolting violence. The story then follows a welcome-home party for Jimmy Boy.

Main characters and conflict

Jimmy Boy is played by Jimmy Tatro. He is the son of kingpin Sosa, portrayed by Keith David.

Eiza González plays mob wife Alice. Vince Vaughn appears as hitman Nick, and James Marsden is Quick Draw Mike.

Present Nick has set in motion a brutal plan. Future Nick, also played by Vaughn, travels back to stop that plan.

Performance highlights

Vaughn performs two versions of the same man. Present Nick is vicious; Future Nick is regretful and seeking repair.

Marsden provides physical comedy and timing against Vaughn. González brings chemistry and emotional stakes to Alice.

• Ben Schwartz opens the film with a memorable, puzzling sequence.
• Jimmy Tatro delivers comic moments as Jimmy Boy.
• Keith David anchors scenes with gravitas as Sosa.

Supporting players and tone

The cast includes Emily Hampshire as a provocative cop. Lewis Tan plays a kinetic goon named Roid Rage Ryan.

Arturo Castro shines in a rambling mafioso role nicknamed Dumbass Tony. Stephen Root and Dolph Lundgren make notable appearances.

Pop culture jokes crop up throughout. References to Oliver & Co. and a debate about The Gilmore Girls add levity.

Genre play and thematic payoff

Grabinski uses time travel to invert classic mob story beats. Jealousy and infidelity gain room for reflection.

The sci-fi device turns internal regret into external conflict. It gives the story unexpected psychological nuance.

Grabinski previously developed Scott Pilgrim Takes Off with Bryan Lee O’Malley. That background helps him twist familiar genre rules.

Festival premiere and release

The film debuted at SXSW among audacious new titles. It held its ground with critics and festival audiences.

Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice arrives on Hulu on March 27. It offers an outrageous, crowd-pleasing blend of laughs and thrills.