Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Goodfellas (1990)
"Goodfellas" (1990) is a cinematic masterpiece that pulls you in with the allure of a world that feels both foreign and fascinating. Like a magician revealing his tricks, the film invites you into the intoxicating realm of organized crime, where danger and glamour walk hand in hand. And oh, how it seduces you, much like Tarantino would with his quirky blend of humor and violence, making the outrageous feel oddly normal.
Roger Ebert once spoke about the magic of movies to transport us, and "Goodfellas" does just that with a fervor that’s hard to resist. Through the eyes of Karen, we see how easy it is to be swept away by the thrill and power of Henry Hill’s world. That iconic, unbroken shot as they enter the Copacabana is a dizzying dance into decadence, symbolizing her—and our—surrender to the seductive pull of the mobster lifestyle. The wedding scene, with its parade of envelopes and favors, and the hostess party, where everyone knows your name and your business, are vivid signposts of her—and our—immersion into this alternate universe.
Yet, what’s truly brilliant is how the film normalizes the chaos. It’s like waking up one day and realizing that the extraordinary has become your everyday. Karen articulates this transformation perfectly, noting how the absence of outsiders makes the unusual seem routine. The film mirrors this by never showing us the other side until it’s almost too late.
Then, like a splash of cold water, the FBI agent appears. He’s the interloper in this insular world, a reminder of what’s real and what’s not. Suddenly, the spell is broken, and we see Henry and Karen not as glamorous figures but as exaggerated versions of themselves, almost like characters from a twisted fable. In that moment, Scorsese flips the script, turning what was once glorified into a cautionary tale.
"Goodfellas" is a film that dazzles and disturbs, making you question your own perceptions of right and wrong. It’s a ride through the looking glass with a guide who knows how to keep you entertained while unraveling the very fabric of the fantasy he’s woven. It’s cinema at its most compelling, and like Ebert, you’ll find yourself marveling at the power of film to make the alien feel familiar—and then shake you awake just when you least expect it.
- You are under the age of 17. The film contains explicit language, violence, and scenes of drug use that might not be suitable for younger viewers.
- You are sensitive to depictions of violence and blood.
- You are uncomfortable with scenes involving drug abuse.
- You prefer movies with happy endings or redemptive character arcs.
- You dislike films based on true crime stories.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Goodfellas"? I mean, it's basically a how-to guide on becoming a mobster, right? You could practically get a PhD in Wiseguy-ology just from watching this Scorsese classic.
And why is it that every Italian in this movie looks like they run a pizza joint or could be your overly friendly Uncle Tony? You'd think the mob would have a better recruitment policy. But, no... it seems the only job requirement is the ability to say "Fuggedaboutit" with a straight face.
Did anyone else notice the amount of food in this movie? It's like a cooking show wrapped in a crime drama. I half-expected Julia Child to pop up and give a tutorial on how to properly slice garlic using a razor blade. And let's not forget that iconic prison scene, where they're sipping Chianti and serving up lobsters. I mean, come on, the last time I checked, prison food wasn't exactly Michelin star.
Then there's the "shine box" scene. Billy Batts tells Tommy DeVito to go home and get his shine box. You're telling me a professional mobster, a guy who's whacked more people than he can count, is also moonlighting as a shoeshine man? Talk about diversifying your income streams. Just imagine going to him for a shine, "Hey Tommy, I'd like a shine, hold the assassination."
And what about Lorraine Bracco's character, Karen? She marries Henry knowing he's a criminal, then spends the rest of the movie complaining about it. It's like moving next to an airport and complaining about the planes.
Last but not least, let's talk about the narration. I mean, Ray Liotta's narration is so nonchalant, you'd think he was talking about a supermarket shopping list, not a life of organized crime. "Today, we're going to rob a bank, then we'll pick up some dry cleaning and maybe grab a cannoli."
When it comes down to it, "Goodfellas" is basically a pasta-filled, blood-soaked, wise-guy-charged rollercoaster that makes you think, "Hey, maybe crime does pay... in linguini."
Casino (1995): If you enjoyed "Goodfellas", chances are you'd love "Casino". This film also has Martin Scorsese at the helm with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci taking on the lead roles. Set in Las Vegas, it explores the dark underbelly of the city's casino business, filled with crime, power, and corruption. Donnie Brasco (1997): "Goodfellas" fans would find the real-life story of "Donnie Brasco" fascinating. The film stars Johnny Depp as an undercover FBI agent, infiltrating New York's Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino plays a pivotal role in this grim and gritty mob thriller. The Departed (2006): Another Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece, "The Departed" features a stellar cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson. Like "Goodfellas", it presents a compelling story of crime and street life, with an extra layer of cat-and-mouse tension between a cop undercover in the mob and a mob mole in the police force. A Bronx Tale (1993): "A Bronx Tale", directed by and starring Robert De Niro, is often compared to "Goodfellas". It's a unique tale that deals with a young boy's struggle against local gang influence. This film perfectly captures the same Italian-American culture and gangster life depicted in "Goodfellas". American Gangster (2007): "American Gangster" chronicles the life of crime lord Frank Lucas and the detective determined to bring him down, played by Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe respectively. Its strong performances and gripping storytelling make it a worthy follow-up to "Goodfellas". Miller's Crossing (1990): "Miller's Crossing" is directed by the Coen Brothers and takes a slightly different approach to the genre. It's a polished, thoughtful, and stylish crime drama that blends the usual genre tropes with the Coens' unique touch, making it an interesting pick for "Goodfellas" fans.
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