Scorsese's bad hit

Rating: 6/10 (12 December 2019)

Either driven by instructions coming from people on the top - you know, high up - to make this one set in celluloid for certain reasons - ($) - that can not be overlooked, especially not in Hollywood...or out of pure joy to amuse both themselves, the ol' good fellas and us, the audience, Scorsese returns to his beloved genre, assembles an A-list cast that has the reputation of occasionally reappearing on the big screen in the very same type of roles for the last few decades for the man himself especially.
As we cut into the story, narrated by the reminiscing mob hitman Frank Sheeran (played by De Niro) we find ourselves in familiar territory. Almost feels like a bit too familiar. A career of a relatively nobody, a veteran truck driver who one day accidentally bumps into Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci), head of a crime family who takes a liking to him and helps him rise up in the ranks of the crime lords of the era becoming the personal bodyguard and best friend of the infamous Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino) while trying to provide for and protect his family at the same time, not surprisingly also failing to be a good father in his daughters eyes.
The plot stretches over about 30 years so we get to know certain historic figures, eavesdrop on their most secret conversations, learn a thing or two about the Kennedys while Scorsese provides us with memorable background information - now we understand that even a .32, a 'woman's gun' can be ideal for a hit and that we shouldn't put fish in the car since it is going to smell forever. We revolve around events that had impacts on both the average American, the mob and even the world if you like. All that if we get to pay close attention and keep up for the almost 3 and a half hour-long runtime.
As the years fly by throughout the movie we are being helped by modern computer-technology to bring credibility to the aging characters by de-aging their face first than slowly remove some filters on the way as we progress to eventually arrive at their present looks. Maybe even go a bit further. It can somewhat feel like we are being cheated on though as deep down we know these people are not in their forties and when it comes to physicality it also becomes visible that they don't move or perform so either.
Some spectacular work from behind the camera by Rodriego Prieto and Robbie Robertson's sweet-sounding melodies, both of who Marty have often collaborated with before, help us ease back to a bygone era where hitmen carrying guns broad daylight served as instruments between opposing ideas.
verdict 6/10
An overwhelming storyline, more so with it's weight in minutes than emotions, has the lack of surprising elements and character depth. We do get some never-before historic insight to that much talked about age of conflicts delivered via great camerawork. Unfortunately all the glare we get is from the shiny automobiles and Robert De Niro's digitally de-aged, glowing blue eyes. A piece from masters of the art form who played their parts but hardly a masterpiece.