"The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all."

Rating: 8/10 (25 November 2017)

Teaming Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in a gangster flick is pretty much a no-brainer, but I couldn't help thinking, especially in the latter hour of the movie, that the picture tried to be just a bit too ambitious for it's own good. At three hours, the picture loses some of it's edge, even with Pesci's manic and over the top characterization of Nicky Santoro, a mob hit man sent to Vegas to keep an eye on Sam 'Ace' Rothstein (De Niro) as the boss of the new Tangiers Hotel. The scene with Tony Dogs (Carl Ciarfalio) with his head in a vise will make you glad you live in a different universe from these guys.
The surprise role in this picture had to be that of Ginger McKenna, portrayed by Sharon Stone. If you never thought she had much range as an actress she'll probably change your mind here, especially by the time she's had it with Ace and goes into that trashing, hysterical fit before she gets thrown out of the house. I thought it was a nifty touch when the film makers threw in that Rolling Stones cover of 'Heart of Stone' in an early scene between Ace and Ginger. That was perfect.
Overall, not a bad gangster flick, but if ever remade, I'd recommend eliminating most or all of the narration by the principals, and let the action speak for itself. That, and a critical eye for all that's unnecessary to pare the story down to it's essentials. Keep De Niro, Pesci and Stone though, they know how to turn up the heat when you need it most.