Don't knock yourselves out

Rating: 7/10 (10 January 2020)

THE IRISHMAN: (On Netflix and in limited release) Scorsese directs, with a cast of DiNero, Pacino, Pesci, Cannavale, Keitel and a bunch of other guys who's names end with a vowel, one would think this has got to be one hell of a fantastic movie. Guess again, movie fans. With the possible exception of Pacino, who, at least, tries to embody a character, everyone else is doing that thing that they do. DiNero does his same frowny face thing, Pesci does .... Pesci. All the other stock hoodlums, crime bosses, hitmen, gangsters are right out of Central Casting's 'Thug Book'. (Can't believe they couldn't find a role for Ray Liotta.) Scorsese's direction was sure handed but nothing to write home about. Not only that, it's nearly 3:40 minutes long, to the point of boredom. The plot supposes what could have happened to Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa, whose real life disappearance remains unsolved. What's presented here is certainly a plausible scenario of what could have happened and demonstrates how easy it was to commit murder in those days. Just walk up to a guy, two quick pops to the head, walk away and throw the gun in the river. Done. The standout is the period costumes, outstanding production design and cars, all of which appeared to be accurate in every detail, but that doesn't make up for the lethargic pace and the phoned-in acting by the principals. The narration devise from the survivor's point of view is right out of the Good Fellas playbook. I just don't see what all the fuss is about. Score: 7. Don't knock yourselves out to see it. 1/10/20