a virtual handbook into the life of the mob in its golden age.

Rating: 10/10 (12 January 2001)

Well - here it goes.. In my area everyone "loves" the mob way of life.. Everyone loves "The Sopranos" and I also find it enjoyable to watch a great mob movie and then imagine for a minute that Im a part of it.. For most of my life there has been only one movie to even speak of when it came to this subject - The Godfather Epic. For those of you not familiar with it it was the Godfather Parts I and II edited in chronological order.. I've seen it several times and to this day my Dad still thinks that this is the best mob story ever told..
But With all due respect..
I just watched Goodfellas for the 12th time and - There is no doubt in my mind that Goodfellas is the best mob movie ever made..
The story starts off during the Golden Age of Organizied Crime 1955 Brooklyn NY. A young Henry Hill is intrigued by the mob way of life - and let's be honest - why not !?.. They have it all - respect, wealth, and power.. Everything about the movie at this point is made to "romance" you about the era.. The music, the cinematography, work so well together..its quite rare that a film can make you actually "feel" a part of it.. Goodfellas succeeds at this.. We meet all sorts of characters who add to the environment. Henry as he learns the ropes also decribes to the viewer how it works.. And just about the time your ready to stand-up and declare you wanna be a "wiseguy" When things are going so good -
Goodfellas smacks you right in the face and says - Whaddasamatta with you..
The deceit, the lying, the overall evil that consumes these people is staggering.. The movie shows that in the mob there is no love, no loyality, no care - even amonst themselves.. The biggest mistake the mob made was to include drugs into its "business".
Goodfellas exceeds the Godfather because of the feeling of inclusion you feel when watching it, it surrounds you and makes you feel like a part of the film.. I felt it's direction, and cinematography, and editing style are second to none.. This is Scorese and DeNiro's best film together..Raging Bull was great too but Casino was pale over this one - Liotta was wonderful although he hasnt done much since.. and Pesci's best is My Cousin Vinny but his "Tommy" is very good - deserving of the Oscar that year - even though you wouldnt want to know him.
If your a fan of mob storys in general see if you can spot two Sopranos guys in the movie ! Also look for Samuel L Jackson in a bit part..