best mob movie since scarface

Rating: 10/10 (14 November 2006)

and I love mob movies. I loved this movie. When I think of mob movies, I think of the Godfather(s), Scarface, and Goodfellas, in that order. It's not the Godfather, but it is definitely a classic. The story is better than Goodfellas (yes, I know that was based on a real story, but this one seems more realistic). The violence and dialog are so much more satisfying than Scarface. You feel like the violence makes sense, and isn't there just to decorate the movie. And the characters are nearly as compelling as the Godfather. The acting (and writing) is so good, that I will be disappointed if there are not multiple Oscar wins for the cast and story. I could easily see ones for Nicholson and DiCaprio (and I normally don't like Leo).
I'm not sure what the running time was, but if anything I felt the film was too short. It was paced well, and tidied things up nicely, but I felt like I wanted to spend yet more time with the characters to understand them. Imagine if you only got one movie to know who Vito Corleone was...
And of course, the directing was A++. Scorcese is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors. W/o giving things away, some of the duality, and contrasts are brilliant. One guy has one phone which he switches the sim cards. Another has two phones, which he carries around openly.
I can't wait to see this movie again!