Scorsese strikes again with as much punch as Goodfellas.

Rating: Null/10 (13 March 1999)

I will admit that I do have my qualms with Martin Scorsese on a few levels. Sue me, I was not totally blown over by Raging Bull and The King of Comedy was a little too zany for my satisfaction. Goodfellas, however, really impressed me, and Casino, following in the same tradition as Goodfellas, scores big time as well. Like Goodfellas, it knows how to tell an intriguing story, makes its characters complex, and does not establish any heroes within its cast. The actors work remarkably well as an ensemble, not letting either of the three be the star, and displaying reality and charisma to their roles without becoming campy.
Casino works in the same way as The Godfather did, telling a fascinating tale of the mob, murder, corruption, and power. It does not give us anything that we don't want, having spectacular camerawork in the traditional Scorsese fashion, but not removing anything from the actual story. Going against what some have stipulated, De Niro and Pesci do not reprise their parts from Goodfellas; these characters have their own meat and style to them. Casino reminded me of the reason why I love movies; hopefully Scorsese will continue in the same tradition as this in the future, and not jerk me around like he sometimes does. Casino is one of the best films of 1995. Rating: Four stars.