On G List of Movie Reviews
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Goodfellas (1990)
Rate:
10
Viewed:
11/03, 2/07, 5/10, 12/13, 7/20
2/07:
The opening sequence of Goodfellas is what impressed me the most when I saw it first at a theatre in 1990.
I still feel this way after seventeen years. Without a doubt, Goodfellas is the hardest-hitting Mafia picture made.
There's nothing like it. To produce the movie, Martin Scorsese called Nicholas Pileggi, the author of Wiseguy, to say,
"I've been waiting for this book my entire life," which was met with, "I've been waiting for this phone call my entire life."
Ray Liotta doesn't get enough credit for stealing the show from start to finish. Everybody else is as good as he, but let's
not kid ourselves: this is Ray Liotta's picture. On the other hand, Joe Pesci's performance is overrated.
All in all, Martin Scorsese is a master storyteller.
5/10:
Based on Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi I read a long ago, the first two minutes of Goodfellas, that's complemented
by Saul Bass' title sequence, is what sets the tone.
It's a hard-hitting, brutal picture, depicting three decades of life in the mafia. I wish I can say Goodfellas
is the best gangster picture made, effectively obliterating the perch that The Godfather had stood on for years, but
the comparisons aren't fair to both due to generational differences. By the way, Ray Liotta's performance is my favorite;
without him, Goodfellas wouldn't be the film as it is. The "May 11, 1980" scene underscores the power of his
screen presence.
All in all, Goodfellas is a must-see masterpiece.
12/13:
There are many outstanding scenes, lines, and performances in Goodfellas; they simply come in waves.
One of them that impressed me the most is the restaurant scene when Ray Liotta and Lorraine Bracco took the back way
which is an excellent demonstration of power and respect. Once again, Ray Liotta is the man, being the main reason why
I continue to revisit the film from time to time. Robert De Niro's minimized supporting performance is fascinating because he
makes most of his limited screen time yet is able to give a special performance.
All in all, Goodfellas is a brilliant mob picture.
7/20:
The only film to rival The Godfather seriously is Goodfellas.
To be fair, both depict the Mafia during different generations, so it's, chronologically speaking, The Godfather first
and Goodfellas second. RICO finally tore down the whole criminal enterprise, and it was all over by the time John Gotti
was sent away for life.
A lot of people and critics alike focus too much on Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, but it's really Ray Liotta's show. As a
result, he should have received an Oscar nomination. My favorite scene is still "May 11, 1980," The opening sequence is
unforgettable with Joe Pesci hacking Frank Vincent and Robert De Niro blowing him away.
All in all, Goodfellas is a powerful Mafia picture that will never get old.