The ultimate gangster film...

Rating: 10/10 (16 April 2002)

I have to pick "Goodfellas" over "The Godfather" as my favorite crime movie of all time. Tough it is a tough call, there is not a minute of boring or wasted film in "Goodfellas", whereas I think "Godfather" could make for a snappier movie with 10-15 minutes worth of cuts in various places. This is a fascinating ride through the criminal life of a boy who started out a dreamer, and who made it to the big time. Like "The Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire," this masterful piece takes you through the life of a would-be gangster all the way to his disgraceful end as a government turnkey. Ray Liotta delivers the performance of a lifetime as the main character, matched equally by Lorraine Bracco as his supportive yet fearful wife. The fact that this movie is based on a true story only serves to pique interest further. This is a must see for any movie-goer and deserves its place among the top 100 movies of all time.