Who doesn't love Scorsese? He's made classic, fun films with some of the best acting performances ever. 'Casino' doesn't fit that bill.
As many have noted, all aspects of 'Casino' are extremely derivative of 'Goodfellas.' One of the flaws of 'Goodfellas' though was Robert de Niro playing a dull character. Well, guess what? Scorsese thought it'd be interesting if that de Nero character had a whole movie to himself. De Nero gives a fine acting performance that lends itself to a believable character. But it's just hard to get over the fact that he's playing a manager at a casino.
Our two other big stars are Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone. I really wasn't crazy about either. Pesci could care less when he read one of his many voice over narrations. And it was 50/50 if he actually did something of note when acting. A far cry from his 'Goodfellas' performance. Sharon Stone was just a lot to take in. Her sophistication and smarts at the start of the film melt away as soon as she marries de Nero.
This is definitely a good mob movie. Yet it can't be called a masterpiece. The three hour run time definitely feels it, the acting is hit or miss, and voice over narration enables a bad tendency in Scorsese of having drawn out stories.
As many have noted, all aspects of 'Casino' are extremely derivative of 'Goodfellas.' One of the flaws of 'Goodfellas' though was Robert de Niro playing a dull character. Well, guess what? Scorsese thought it'd be interesting if that de Nero character had a whole movie to himself. De Nero gives a fine acting performance that lends itself to a believable character. But it's just hard to get over the fact that he's playing a manager at a casino.
Our two other big stars are Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone. I really wasn't crazy about either. Pesci could care less when he read one of his many voice over narrations. And it was 50/50 if he actually did something of note when acting. A far cry from his 'Goodfellas' performance. Sharon Stone was just a lot to take in. Her sophistication and smarts at the start of the film melt away as soon as she marries de Nero.
This is definitely a good mob movie. Yet it can't be called a masterpiece. The three hour run time definitely feels it, the acting is hit or miss, and voice over narration enables a bad tendency in Scorsese of having drawn out stories.