Terrific gangster tale

Rating: 8/10 (22 June 2007)

"Goodfellas" is another gangster movie featuring Italian-American mobsters and possesses several parallels with "The Godfather" in the way it depicts mob life. "Goodfellas" is a more realistic movie that de-mythologises gangster life, showing it to be dangerous and highly unpredictable, drenched in blood and ambition. There is not even the faintest whiff of romanticism that you might find in "The Godfather".
The story follows Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and his rise in late 60s and 70s New York to become a 'made man' among the mob. Along the way he finds himself working for Tommy Cicero (Paul Sorvino), the local mob boss, and alongside characters such as Jimmy Conway (Robert DeNiro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci).
Nearly every recognisable gangster character actor in the US makes an appearance in this picture, (excluding Al Pacino and Marlon Brando). All the actors in this picture acquit themselves admirably. I can't say Liotta is in the same acting league as DeNiro or Pesci, whom he's frequently seen alongside. He just lacks the charisma to give the movie a strong enough centre. He is a good actor, but much of the time his performance seems hollow compared to the others.
Martin Scorcese directs in fine style, including several daring long shots that follow Henry and his friends in and about their business. Script and storyline are also very good, and spring one or two surprises on the audience.
I'm not as fond of this as I am of "The Godfather" but nevertheless it is a fine picture.