One of De Palma's and Costner's Few Films Worthy of Merit

Rating: 7/10 (21 January 2011)

The Untouchables works in a variety of ways all which lead to a good time at the movies. From my readings of articles and viewings of newsreel footage of the real Al Capone, De Niro's Capone suggests what the crime boss may have been like. I think it's the best interpretation to date. Sean Connery is his usual terrific self and is given some first rate dialogue. The 4 Untouchables each has a strength which combines well to make an excellent team equipped to bring down Capone. According to available literature on Ness and company, the script strays from certain realities, but, so what? The movie more than makes up for that in other ways. My only gripe is the less than good moments from extras with their unconvincing remarks during certain action scenes (in minor ways, extras reactions can add or subtract from moments in a film). Billy Drago's Frank Nitti looks and sounds like a character from a drama set in the South. It's an otherwise colorful interpretation though to be enjoyed within the context of the movie's entertainment value. Kevin Costner, Andy Garcia, Brad Sullivan, etc. are all excellent in their respective roles; great score by Morricone. I highly recommend this as a top example of Hollywood entertainment.