These mobsters have got it made

In 1996, a cinematic comedic duo formed to stand among the greatest of all time. Laurel and Hardy, Pryor and Wilder, Jay and Silent Bob and finally, Favreau and Vaughn. The film was "Swingers," which has since become a cult comedy hit far exceeding its meager beginnings, and whose vernacular became a pop culture staple. \nThese gentlemen followed their seminal work with "Made," a film somewhat reminiscent of "Swingers," but with a gangster motif, and its heart worn blatantly upon its sleeve. After an entirely-too-brief run in theaters this masterfully made dramedy is now available on DVD, and is well worth a look.\n"Made" is the story of Bobby (Favreau, the consummate straight man) and Ricky (Vaughn, working at his obnoxious best), two childhood friends who now dredge through their lives as mediocre amateur boxers and half-assed construction workers. Bobby wants nothing more than to settle down with his stripper girlfriend (Famke Janssen of "X-Men" fame), but Ricky has a completely different agenda. He's a loudmouthed hustler with delusions of imminent mafia grandeur. Naturally, he's ecstatic when Max (the crankily wonderful Peter Falk), offers them the opportunity to travel to New York, and serve as hired Mafia "muscle." \nThe chemistry between Vaughn and Favreau is impeccable in "Made," with Vaughn excelling in the ubiquitously obnoxious role of Ricky. The rest of the cast features a bevy strong supporting performances and hilarious cameos; Faizon Love (Big Worm in "Friday") and surprisingly enough, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs turn in deft work as fellow gangsters. Vincent Pastore of "Sopranos" fame plays the boys' limo driver to a comedic and somewhat ironic hilt. Eclectic cameos are turned in from Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, Dustin "Screech" Diamond, and immensely talented character actor Sam Rockwell, who plays a gay bellhop in the flick.\nAside from a great film, which is presented in a 16:9 Widescreen cut with 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround, the "Made" DVD contains a barrage of impressive supplementary features. The disc has three documentaries, two trailers, hilarious outtakes and deleted scenes, a funny yet insightful commentary track featuring Favreau, Vaughn and producer Peter Billingsley AKA Ralphie from "A Christmas Story," as well as a cool Scene Edit Workshop.\nAs written and directed by Jon Favreau, "Made," is a skewed take on the prototypical mob movie, and much like "Swingers," its comedic punch isn't easily dulled. Simply put "Made" is bar-none one of the best films of the year, and the DVD serves as a suitable companion.