Mac's Movies

UK Release Date:  23 February 1996 Certification:  18 Director:  Martin Scorsese Cast:   Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Kevin Pollak, Don Rickles, Sharon Stone, Frank Vincent, James Woods Rating:   75 % Review: Heralding the end of Martin Scorsese's obsession with deteriorating gangsters in a crime filled filmography spanning as far back as Mean Streets in 1973 before delving into a mix of religious epics and traditionalist biopics, Casino feels like a mesh of Scorsese's previous work. There's nothing truly original about the story, certain scenes reminiscent of Goodfellas , but Scorsese ensures that the film remains entertaining.  There is no doubt that the second and third act of Casino are a riveting watch but in fairness this film takes a while to become truly invested in. A slow introduction beckons the audience to eventually behold the downfall of these characters - making for a tremendous end with a sluggish start.  Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci c...

UK Release Date:  19 February 1981 Certification:  18 Director:  Martin Scorsese Cast:  Nicholas Colasanto, Mario Gallo, Cathy Moriarty, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent Rating:   87 % Review: The film that saved both Martin Scorsese's career and life. A biography of Jake LaMotta's life, one of the most famous boxers of his time - for both the right and wrong reasons -  Raging Bull  is a character study masked as a sports film. From a filmmaking standpoint this is outstanding. Some exceptional camerawork which isn't really a surprise considering it's Scorsese. The way he shoots that dolly of LaMotta whilst he's in the ring is absolutely iconic, emphasising his descent into madness and inability to deal with both jealousy and anger. That whole scene in fact is simply riveting cinema.  The decision to have the film play out in black and white benefitted the viewing experience for me. Distinguishing Raging Bull from other works of the t...

UK Release Date:  06 March 1987 Certification:  15 Director:  Martin Scorsese Cast:  Bill Cobbs, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Paul Newman, Helen Shaver, John Turturro, Forest Whitaker Rating:   78 % Review:   Legacy sequel to Paul Newman classic,  The Hustler , The Color of Money continues to follow 'Fast Eddie' whilst adding Tom Cruise in front of the screen and Martin Scorsese behind the camera.  With Paul Newman being the only returning cast member, it's solely down to him to continue on the continuity from The Hustler . He's fantastic yet again - there's a reason he's held in such high regard. His performance in this film was his first and only Oscar win. Newman plays the mentor role to a tee and then is able to switch back into flamboyant, charismatic hustler on cue. He shares the screen with a young and immature, Tom Cruise. Before he become a real life action star, these were the type of roles Cruise was born to play....

UK Release Date: 6 October 2006 Certification: 18 Director: Martin Scorsese Cast: Alec Baldwin, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Vera Farmiga, Jack Nicholson, Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg, Ray Winstone Rating: 86% No better thing to say in a Boston accent than The Departed .  Review: The Departed   won four academy awards including best picture, best film editing and best director and it's Martin Scorsese's direction in  The Departed  that makes it unique compared to his other filmography. From the symbolism of certain shots to the near perfect storytelling and world building everything Scorsese does in   The Departed   has a purpose and a meaning.   The Departed continues Leonardo DiCaprio's run of films with Martin Scorsese following on from Gangs of New York and The Aviator . It's difficult to say who's performance is the greatest in The Departed with such a stellar cast but DiCaprio still shines through to display why he's one of the best a...

UK Release Date: 26 October 1990 Certification: 18 Director: Martin Scorsese Cast: Lorraine Bracco, Tony Darrow, Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Frank Sivero, Paul Sorvino, Mike Starr, Frank Vincent  Rating:   92 % "As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster." Review: Goodfellas is the ultimate crime flick. Despite the rushed conclusion (my opinion) Martin Scorsese's film, based on a true story, is often considered as one of the best of all time.  Criminally, this is my first viewing of a Scorsese feature. With instant classics like  Taxi Driver  and  Raging Bull  as well as modern classics like  The Departed  and  The Wolf of Wall Street , he's viewed as one of the greatest directors of all time. I think what makes him stand out is his reliance on returning actors (Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci back then and Leonardo DiCaprio since the 2000's).  What makes Goodfellas not only an iconic movie but an a...