Characterizations are the key to this fantastic mob story, perhaps only rivaled by The Godfather as the best of them all. Violent, compelling, daring and rich, Scorsese (The King of Comedy, The Last Waltz) crafts Nicholas Pileggi’s...
There are many that tout the second chapter in the Corleone saga as superior to the original, and while I can definitely understand why I’m not necessarily inclined to agree from a personal taste...
The Godfather is a tough film to review, as it’s almost hallowed ground to some fans out there, and many others who might argue that it’s the greatest film of all time. I’m not even...
1980s / Action / Comedy / Martial Arts
by Vincent Leo · Published October 11, 2004 · Last modified May 14, 2019
I realize that this film, the first attempt to introduce Jackie Chan to American audiences, has been somewhat maligned over the years, but I’ll always have a special fondness for it. The Big Brawl (or Battle Creek Brawl as...
If The Untouchables proves anything, it’s that if you put enough very talented people together, good results are bound to follow. This is the Hollywood equivalent of the All-Star Game, with a cast and crew...
Although known primarily for his thrillers, director Brian De Palma started off as mostly a comedic director, but with the exception of 1979’s Home Movies, Wise Guys would be the first pure comedic vehicle he has done since Phantom...
Back in the day, Marvel-licensed superhero flicks weren’t so hot, and The Punisher‘s only real claim to success was that it was at least better than Captain America. 2004 will see another attempt at telling the...
One of the things we can always be thankful for is that most dumb comedies only last 90 minutes or less. You go into it knowing it’s going to be completely silly slapstick, but...
by Vincent Leo · Published December 11, 2002 · Last modified April 8, 2019
I’m not sure what prompted someone to want to make a sequel to 1999’s hit comedy Analyze This, but I’m guessing that the decision was purely based on the fact that it made over $100...
Robert De Niro (Ronin, Jackie Brown) is Paul Vitti, a New York mob boss with problems. He suffers from anxiety attacks, a lack of nerves, and even impotence. He seeks help from a psychiatrist named...
Reviews from film writer Vince Leo, covering all eras and genres of films from classics to the latest releases.
Film reviews from Vince Leo, from classics to new releases, since 1996.
