Whatever Happened to.......Jimmy Hoffa? Hmmmmmmm!

Rating: 9/10 (2 December 2019)

"The Irishman" is yet another masterful film from Director Martin Scorcese. He has assembled a very large cast to fill out the film's 209 minute running time.
It's the story of mob hit man and senior union official Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran (Robert DeNiro) as he reflects on his past life. He came to be associated early with mobster Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) whom he met at a service station when he stopped to help Frank fix his truck.. Frank begins to skim off beef sides from his employer, selling them to Skinny Razor (Bobby Cannavale) and friends. Frank becomes a close confidant of Bufalino performing several "tasks" on his behalf.
Bufalino points Frank toward Union boss Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino) with whom he becomes an entrusted friend. Frank goes back and forth between the two powerful men "helping out" wherever he can. When Senator Robert Kennedy (Jack Houston) persecutes him, Hoffa is sent to prison for four years losing his position as Union Boss to his former assistant Frank "Fitz" Fitzsimmons (Gary Basaraba). While in prison Hoffa is confronted by mobster and ex Union official Tony Provenzao (Stephen Graham) over Tony's lost pension benefits. The two men argue and end up in a fist fight.
When Hoffa is released from prison around the time of John Kennedy's assassination, He tries to regain control of the Union. Bufalino and senior mobster Angelo Bruno (Harvey Keitel) warn him to back off as "Fitz" has found favor with the mob. Finally, Bufalino tells Frank that the time to eliminate the troublesome Hoffa has come. Frank with mixed emotions, agrees to do this "little service" for his mentor.
Following Hoffa's disappearance, Frank's daughter Peggy (Anna Paquin) disowns him over her suspicions on the Hoffa affair. Frank and Bufalino eventually land in jail together and grow old over the years. After Bufalino's death Frank is left to dwell in the past all alone in his last years.
The performances by the principals are mesmerizing. Pacino is outstanding as Jimmy Hoffa particularly in his hell raising speeches to his membership. DeNiro is sympathetic as the long suffering but faithful soldier Frank Sheeran. Joe Pesci, who had to be talked out of retirement for his role is good as the highly respected crime figure. And look for TV star Ray Romano as Bufalino lawyer Bill Bufalino.
Much has been said about the terrific de-aging (and aging) process used where the main characters look and act younger (and older) without the aid of make-up. It's quite amazing indeed. As they say, this couls be the start of something big.
A terrific, if overlong film.