Pacino is really deserving of having those millions of posters in people's homes

Rating: 9/10 (23 February 2014)

It is unavoidable to bring up Michael Corleone when Scarface is the subject. Heck, I did it before I even watched the movie. The reason, obviously, because Montana and Corleone are both big shots of the underground. But while Montana chose his life, Corleone did not. Anyway, enough about the comparison because it is not as relevant as it seems.
I will say it over and over again that Scarface is probably Al Pacino's best performance because he flawlessly portrayed a character who was like a polar opposite. From the accent to the mannerisms to the way of life, I think it would be very difficult to find another man unlike Pacino. But man, that accent was terrific. Cubans might disagree because they would have a keener ear, but it seemed pretty close to me.
The long continuous scenes typical of this era are executed brilliantly. I always mention how I miss those these days. It kept focus on the scene better than otherwise short sequences with multiple angle switches. And the action scenes are quite fun to watch.
Of course, this being the 1980s there are a few scenes that contain the dreaded overacting. And there are so many slangs, it is necessary to keep Urban Dictionary open. This adds to the genuineness, so it is a plus.
I was niggled by the preposterous amounts of bullets used. I get that it is a dramatic movie, but when everything else is so terrific, why go to great lengths to make your bad guys look like utter klutzes? And the scene in the Babylon with the assassination attempt, there was no need for the build up to the shoot-out; it was just annoying.
A great performance by the whole cast and a great production from the whole crew that is indeed worthy of all the praise and frenzy created by it. Watched 02/22/2014, written 02/23/2014.