flawed but hugely entertaining

Rating: 9/10 (8 February 2005)

This is a flashy 80's gangster flick that runs almost 3 hours but feels like less than 2. It's become a classic because of its over the top and performances and realistic (apparently..) depiction of the "drugdealing scene". The character of Tony Montana, invented for this particular movie, is still a point of reference and admiration for today's popular rap artists. This is a man with an ego as big as a whale, brilliantly played by Al Pacino in one of his best performances. What makes this movie hold up well is the slick direction by Brian De Palma and the perfect acting from all involved. The settings and costumes are a feast for the eyes and the movie is never difficult to follow. Seeing those big gold necklaces hang down the Hawaaian shirts with thick black chest hair coming through on various characters is hilarious. Probably many gangsters nowadays have been inspired by Tony Montana. "Scarface" is a movie where there's always something going on, and feels so much shorter than 170 minutes or so. Of course it's very violent, but the over-the-top language, the frequent humor, the colorfulness of it all make it very fun to watch. Once again, Al Pacino is genius here, at his best. In fact, on a certain level you can sympathize with his character, because he probably never had a proper education and was never really taught what's right and wrong. He also has strong fundamental values in the sense that he never kills someone who doesn't stand in his way (as he says, no one who doesn't have it coming to them), in fact when he has the chance to kill a man who's about to reveal important information about the organization he works for, he doesn't let it happen because the man's wife and kids are with him. Of course, he remains a born scumbag, and Pacino's appearance is just perfect for the role. Small and with a mean face.
I find this movie more fun to watch than any of the Godfather pictures.