As Liz Lemon said recently about those famous Helen Mirren-in-a-bikini photos: "How is it possible? Is she a wizard?" Judging from the new trailer for Love Ranch, a based on true events tale about a married couple who opened the first legal brothel in Nevada, the answer is yes. To wit: Mirren's character is married to Joe Pesci, but ends up rolling around in bed with a hunky and decades-younger Argentine boxer, played by actor Sergio Peris-Mencheta. Hey, it's Peris.
Anyway! Love Ranch is notable for a few reasons, not the least of which being that it's directed by Mirren's husband, Taylor Hackford. The film was originally shot back in 2008 as Hackford's follow-up to the Oscar-nominated Ray, but because of some legal troubles, it got stuck on the shelf until E1 Entertainment saved the day. That's good news for at least one person: Joe Pesci's publicist. Love Ranch marks the first time since Lethal Weapon 4 in 1998 that the Oscar-winner has appeared on screen in a leading role (he also had a brief cameo in The Good Shepherd). It's just too bad he's saddled with a ridiculous accent and an even more ridiculous wig.
The trailer gives away too much of the plot -- and tries too hard to seem like Casino -- but Dame Helen, as always, looks to be in top-form. Still, there's something about Love Ranch that feels decidedly cable-ready. If this were premiering on HBO in a month, it would be a must watch. Alas...
VERDICT: Pass