The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight (1971)

What makes The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight special is how gleefully it punctures the myth of the cool, competent mobster, turning Brooklyn crime into a high-wire act of human error and misplaced swagger. It’s a breezy, satirical caper with witty dialogue and a warm, lived-in neighborhood vibe, where the laughs come less from punchlines than from watching tough guys discover they’re not nearly as tough as they think. The performances keep it charming even when the jokes get broad, and it’s a particular treat to spot a young Robert De Niro sharpening the kind of presence that would soon redefine the genre this film is happily mocking. If you need modern pacing and contemporary sensibilities, some of the dated edges may show—but if you’re in the mood for a funny, affectionate screwball crime comedy, it’s an easy good time.

The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight is clearly aiming for a goofy, satirical spin on Brooklyn mob life, leaning on a talented cast to sell the chaos. The problem is the script and direction rarely give them much to work with, so the jokes land inconsistently and the whole thing can feel flat and oddly sluggish for a crime comedy. A lot of the humor is very of-its-time, which may read as dated rather than charming if you’re not already tuned into that era’s sensibilities. If you’re expecting sharp gangster parody or a tightly plotted caper, you’ll likely be disappointed, but if you’re in the mood for loose, low-stakes vintage silliness with occasional fun character moments, you might get a mild kick out of it.