A Movie of Epic Proportions

Rating: 7/10 (30 November 2019)

Scorsese has finally done it. He has done what only Sergio Leone before him was able to do: make a 3 hour gangster movie with amazing acting and a good script. The Irishman is "epic" in every sense. And this is precisely it's downfall.
I have great respect for Scorsese and the work he has done in his field. I have equal respect for DeNiro, Pesci and Pacino as well. The talents of all four of these men are brought to life in this movie. At the same time, however, I can't help but think the run time was kept the way it was just to get all the actors decent screen time. I would expect Scorsese to want to get the most out of his actors and have them show their prowess. They do, but it really is at the expense of the movie-pace. Had the script been a tad bit shorter, it would have been a much better movie.
The script is another thing that needs to be discussed, as it is impressive. The dialogue is outstanding between characters and really let's us know their personalities, thoughts, and feelings. The movie is gritty, as you would expect, with un-stylized violence that makes you feel every punch and gunshot. The realism takes you deep into the ruthless world of organized crime, where even the most respected capo can become a target. Rare is a movie that is able to be so real and get away with it.
Overall, I am conflicted on the score to give this movie. Had the run-time been shorter, I would have given this movie a 10. But the additional hour of movie creates slogs that just can't be ignored, or saved by a powerhouse actor. Once Upon a Time in America blended together the epic, the violent and the fantastical into one masterpiece of a movie. The Irishman tries to do the same...and almost succeeds.