Casino (1995)
Stars: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci
Runtime: 178 minutes
Synopsis: A tale of greed, deception, money, power, and murder occur between two best friends: a mafia enforcer and a casino executive, compete against each other over a gambling empire, and over a fast living and fast loving socialite.
Performances: 10/10
Screenplay: 8/10
Costumes/Makeup: 9/10
Editing: 10/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Verdict: "Casino" was the last film featuring the powerhouse duo of Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci before they reunited one last time in this year's "The Irishman". In it, they play two best friend, each on a separate path to becoming a feared name in Sin City itself.
As usual, they both excel in their intimidating roles, with De Niro bringing coldness and seriousness to his and Pesci playing the hot head that he somehow manages to make both scary and hilarious at the same time. Interestingly enough, there are many parallels between "Casino" and "The Wolf of Wall Street" from both a narrative and a stylistic point of view. Both of them are flamboyant and over the top films revolving around men trying to take over huge empires. Sharon Stone even plays a character that has most definitely inspired Margot Robbie's Naomi. And while I found "The Wolf of Wall Street" to be much more entertaining overall, the eccentric editing and soundtrack works better thematically in "Casino" as it takes place in the most eccentric city in the world: Las Vegas. Scorsese was able to bring the city to life, which is yet another feat he has mastered over the years, and by doing that he made the 3 hour runtime feel much shorter. The first hour, used to set up the events of the film's second half, is fundamental, but can feel a little slow and filled with exposition at times, but the rest is pure insanity and easily makes up for it.
"Casino" is the type of film only Scorsese is able to make, and despite it being one of his longest pictures, it's worth every minute of your time. "Casino" is pure Cinema.
As usual, they both excel in their intimidating roles, with De Niro bringing coldness and seriousness to his and Pesci playing the hot head that he somehow manages to make both scary and hilarious at the same time. Interestingly enough, there are many parallels between "Casino" and "The Wolf of Wall Street" from both a narrative and a stylistic point of view. Both of them are flamboyant and over the top films revolving around men trying to take over huge empires. Sharon Stone even plays a character that has most definitely inspired Margot Robbie's Naomi. And while I found "The Wolf of Wall Street" to be much more entertaining overall, the eccentric editing and soundtrack works better thematically in "Casino" as it takes place in the most eccentric city in the world: Las Vegas. Scorsese was able to bring the city to life, which is yet another feat he has mastered over the years, and by doing that he made the 3 hour runtime feel much shorter. The first hour, used to set up the events of the film's second half, is fundamental, but can feel a little slow and filled with exposition at times, but the rest is pure insanity and easily makes up for it.
"Casino" is the type of film only Scorsese is able to make, and despite it being one of his longest pictures, it's worth every minute of your time. "Casino" is pure Cinema.
FINAL GRADE: 8/10
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