Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice
Two gangsters and the woman they love try to survive the most dangerous night of their lives. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s one wild ingredient added to the mix: a time machine.
Trailer
Review
Imagine if Quentin Tarantino and Shane Black collaborated on a time-travel script, then handed it to a director with a fondness for screwball comedy, and you'll get the chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt cocktail that is 'Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice.' Director BenDavid Grabinski throws a grenade into the crime-comedy genre with this 2026 release, blending low-rent gangster antics with high-concept sci-fi in a way that feels both fresh and gleefully unhinged. The premise is deceptively simple: two bumbling, perpetually bickering criminals (Marsden and Vaughn) and the sharp, exasperated woman (González) caught between them must survive a night of double-crosses and hitmen. The twist? A malfunctioning, jury-rigged time machine that looks like it was built in a garage sale. The film's greatest strength is its commitment to character-driven chaos. The time-travel element isn't used for grand, universe-altering paradoxes, but for increasingly absurd and personal fixes—like trying to undo a bad joke or retrieve a stolen sandwich before a shootout. James Marsden brings a wonderfully panicked energy as the more 'sensible' of the duo, while Vince Vaughn's motor-mouthed, conspiracy-theorist Nick is a return to his classic comedic form. Eiza González is the film's secret weapon and emotional anchor; her Alice is fiercely capable and hilariously deadpan, providing the grounded center around which the madness orbits. Grabinski's direction is snappy, favoring tight quarters and rapid-fire dialogue that recalls classic comedies of the 30s and 40s, but with a modern, bloody edge. The 107-minute runtime flies by, packed with inventive set pieces where temporal glitches intersect with bullet ballets. While the plot mechanics occasionally strain under their own silliness, the film's genuine affection for its flawed trio and its relentless comic momentum make it an easy flaw to forgive.
Pros
- ✓The brilliant, character-driven use of time travel for comedic and personal stakes rather than world-ending plots
- ✓The stellar chemistry and performances of the core trio, with Eiza González providing a standout, grounding presence
- ✓Snappy direction and editing that maintains a frenetic, engaging pace throughout
- ✓A genuinely clever script that successfully merges three disparate genres into a cohesive, fun whole
Cons
- ✗The third act's plot mechanics become overly convoluted, slightly undermining the emotional payoff
- ✗Some supporting characters, like those played by Keith David and Jimmy Tatro, feel underutilized given their potential
'Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice' is a triumph of genre-blending creativity and pure entertainment. It confidently sidesteps the pretentious pitfalls of many time-travel stories, opting instead for a heartfelt, hilarious, and often bloody romp about love, friendship, and terrible life choices—made slightly better (or infinitely worse) by the ability to hit redo. The 6.5/10 audience score feels unfairly low; this is a film that understands its B-movie soul and executes it with A-list charm and intelligence. It doesn't aim to reinvent cinema, but to deliver a wildly fun night at the movies with characters you'll genuinely root for. For anyone tired of formulaic blockbusters and craving something with genuine wit, energy, and a surprising amount of heart, this is your ticket. A strong recommendation for viewers who appreciate their comedy with a side of inventive chaos.
🎯 Who Should Watch
Fans of inventive genre mash-ups, screwball comedies with heart, and viewers who enjoy films like 'The Nice Guys,' 'Palm Springs,' or 'Grosse Pointe Blank.'
⭐ Standout Elements
The film's masterful tonal balance—seamlessly weaving laugh-out-loud comedy, genuine sci-fi intrigue, and moments of real emotional stakes—alongside the phenomenal central trio's chemistry.
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents exceptional filmmaking that deserves your attention.
