video review : The Irishman

video review : The Irishman

The Irishman is Frank Sheeran; a steak deliverer turned Mafia hitman. This is the story of that latter part of his life, which begins with him befriending crime boss Russell Bufalino. Russ eventually introduces him to Jimmy Hoffa, whose mysterious disappearance is explained in great detail.

The liberties director Martin Scorsese takes in regard to what really happened is part of what makes the plot thoroughly interesting for all of its three and a half hours. It’s his longest movie and one of his best; vintage Scorsese mob canon along with The Departed, Casino and Goodfellas.

my rating : 4 of 5

2019

video review : Goodfellas

video review : Goodfellas

These “good” fellas are ruthless mobsters. When they need money, they take it and dare whoever it is they’re taking it from to go to the cops. If you cross them, they’ll whack you, bury your body and go out for drinks. They’re organized criminals, wiseguys, above the law in more than enough ways to keep things running smoothly for themselves. As a kid, Henry Hill always wanted to be one of them.

Goodfellas focuses on him doing just that. The first third is mainly backstory and the plot doesn’t really shoot-up until the final third. That’s when the Lufthansa heist goes down and things begin to fall apart. The movie is too long and some of the acting seems caricatural; Karen is particularly annoying; but it’s an interesting glimpse into the (real) life of the Lucchese crime family.

my rating : 4 of 5

1990

video review : The Wolf Of Wall Street

video review : The Wolf Of Wall Street

Jordan Belfort lived the good life. His supply of money, drugs and pussy seemed endless until he got busted for stock fraud. His rise and fall is depicted here via Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie is zippy; an abundance of soft porn scenes help; but it never builds into a cohesive story.

Tighter editing might’ve done the job; the Lemmon car and Monaco boat rides are particularly excessive; but I’m doubtful. The Wolf Of Wall Street, while stimulating in its debauchery, plays with the incoherence and fleeting suspense of a movie that’s based on a true story.

my rating : 3 of 5

2013