Hulu’s new original film Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice takes familiar mob movie tropes and flips them on their head with a sci-fi twist. Directed by BenDavid Grabinski (Happily), the film blends gangster drama, time-travel chaos, and sharp comedy into a bloody, stylish ride.
Familiar Tropes, Fresh Spin
At first glance, the film looks like a classic mob flick. James Marsden plays Mike, a gangster with a conscience who wants out. Eiza González stars as Alice, caught in a love triangle with Mike and her husband Nick, played by Vince Vaughn. Corrupt cops, vengeful bosses, and mysterious assassins all appear.
But then comes the twist: a time machine. Future Nick arrives from six months ahead to warn Present Nick that Mike is about to be killed. What follows is a messy, hilarious, and violent scramble to rewrite fate.
Action and Comedy
The film’s standout sequence is a brutal fight between Present Nick and Mike, choreographed with John Wick-style precision. Marsden and Vaughn smash through furniture and walls in a desperate brawl that’s both thrilling and funny.
The comedy leans into absurdity, with debates about Gilmore Girls boyfriends and running gags about characters not knowing everyday words. Jimmy Tatro, as the crime boss’s hapless son, steals scenes with his delivery, turning simple lines into laugh-out-loud moments.
Heart Beneath the Chaos
Despite the bloodshed and jokes, the film carries an unexpected sweetness. Themes of regret and second chances emerge, especially in Future Nick’s attempts to undo past mistakes. Marsden, Vaughn, and González bring enough charisma to make the relationships believable, even if the backstories feel thin.
Sequel Potential
The film ends by teasing more time-travel adventures, suggesting Hulu may have found its next cult franchise. With its mix of mob grit, sci-fi spectacle, and comedic punch, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is a wild ride worth taking.
