Before I get hounded by all the “MobKing isn’t a horror movie!” complaints, let me just convey that my definition of ‘horror’ is anything that will scare, shock and thrill an audience. Blood, gore and monsters are not essential when trying to instill fear through substantial violence, mind fuckery and mild psychosis. And if you check out MobKing, there’s one scene in particular which is very stomach-turning, that will force you to rethink what horror really looks like.

Gangster Mike White (an impressive display by writer and lead, Ciro Dapagio) is finally being released from prison after a long stint behind bars. Following one final hit on a request from fellow inmate Julio (a brief but impactful Robert LaSardo), White utilizes his internal connections to take out a dangerous pedophile, being held in solitary confinement. Thus, setting up the storyline that not all mobsters are evil. Right?

Mike’s new goal is to live a quiet and peaceful life with his beautiful wife Mia and their now-addicted troubled teenage daughter Carina. Always easier said than done, it’s inevitable that his first night of freedom falls into peril when he is forced to take a deep knife cut to the gut to protect Carina from a “burglar” who was obviously sent from the Don to take him out sooner than later. Typical Italian mob family mentality, so no surprises here.

The outcome (aside from the unimaginable pain White suffers) is the congregating females’ immediate response to stay by the side of this monumental family man who will stop at nothing to protect his family, even if it means going against “the family”. Don Dominic Sasso (James Russo in another skilled portrayal) is the quintessential godfather who leads with fear and through his own paranoia as he fights off an inevitable indictment…and his precocious adult son, Carlo (thuggishly played by Bruce Busta Soscia). Even organized crime has that one black sheep that tends to go rogue, putting everyone in danger. Thus is the formulaic storyline as we follow the White clan to a hidden safe house, managed by the very creepy Randy (Michael Villar). Randy exudes the ickiness of a would-be child molester hiding in plain sight, while pushing a polite persona and secretly taking advantage of his voyeuristic delights. It’s creepy, it’s uncomfortable and it’s unavoidable until dear daddy Mike discovers his beloved girl is once again, targeted by a terrible threat.

While MobKing shows comparable themes to GoodFellas (the main character’s teenage upbringing by the town hoodlums) and similar stereotypical mobster films, it’s clear that this premise is driven by a man’s dedication to his small but devoted family who are willing to sacrifice themselves to shield each other in the realm of being whacked by those once considered kin. It’s a test of spirit, trust and above all…loyalty. Ciro’s character proves his allegiance from beginning to end. Not much more you can ask for from a gangster when faced with your own mortality. It’s not a unique plot, but it’s a compassionate one that is worth a view.