Not as perfect as Goodfellas, but still very very good

Rating: 8/10 (26 August 2005)

Robert DeNiro is Ace Rothstien is trying to keep a tight, methodical operation as a mob-connected casino operator in Las Vegas of the '70's with his new love interest, Ginger (Sharon Stone, who is surprisingly not totally insufferable as she usually is, I guess she saved it up for the commentary). Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci) arrives under the Mob bosses desire to see that Ace's operations are running smoothly, but the more flamboyant, high risk taking Santoro, has plans of his own. Before long the "civilized" lifestyle is offset by the more violent, devious excesses as it all begins spiraling downward. The performance of the movie are all great, the film keeps your interests throughout it's duration, and while this isn't as good as Scorsese/Pileggi's last collaboration, "Goodfellas", there's still more than enough on display here to highly recommend this one as well. Although, this is based on a true story, names changed naturally, but I feel that this is probably a watered down version of what really happened.
My Grade: B+
DVD Extras: Commentary by Martin Scorsese, Sharon Stone, Nicholas Pileggi, and Trailers for "the Big Lebowski", "Assault on Precinct 13", & "Northern Exposure" Seasons 1-3. Side 2) 5 deleted scenes; 5 featurettes ( The Story, The Cast And Characters,The Look, After The Filming, & Vegas And The Mob; and the 44 minute "History Alive: True Crime Authors Â– Casino With Nicholas Pileggi" documentary