One of the most over-rated films ever?

Rating: 6/10 (9 March 2001)

Scarface is a strange film, which due to its strong cast and popular subject matter (gangsters) has become hailed by many as a great masterpiece.
Sorry, but it's not very good. After a promising introduction, when it looks as though this may be a serious drama, things look up. The early motel shoot out is claustrophobic and well handled, and the infamous 'Chainsaw & Bathtub Scene' is very scary indeed. However, it goes steadily down from there, and as this is over 2 1/2 hours long (on the UK cut), it goes down a long way, to a ridiculous climax which throws all of the tense realism of the earlier scene out the window. Pacino's performance is good as usual, although all he really does is look stoned/shout "FOCK DIS! FOCK DAT! FOCK YOU, FOCKER!"etc., and supporting performances are good. The film is also very downbeat, so after 2 1/2 hours, you feel really depressed (or bored) watching it. I recommend you watch the film, but stop as soon as you start to feel it drag, instead of waiting for it to get better, as I did. IT DOESN'T.
You might like it. But approach with caution:- it's not a classic.