Review of Carlito's Way (1993) by John D — 15 Aug 2009

A very solid entry into the gangster section of your local video store, but not quite the greatness of Goodfellas or Godfather, nor quite the unabashed fun of De Palma's Scarface. The storyline is a little different than others, with Carlito (Pacino) legitimately attempting to go straight after a brief prison stint, but continually being dragged back into the business.

The solid plot is supported by an excellent cast. Pacino is perfectly in his element, perhaps a version of Tony Montana who's had time to wise up. Sean Penn steals the show as his slimy lawyer/friend Kleinfeld. If you've played GTA Vice City, you know the character quite well. Penelope Ann Miller is very seductive as Carlito's long lost love. Also memorable is John Leguizamo's up-and-coming hothead. Viggo Mortensen takes the cake as a one-scene wonder, a wheelchair bound ex-gangster. Iin his short screen time gives almost the best performance of the movie.

The end sequence is very harrowing, despite being one of those movies that shows the beginning first. Carlito gives peridiocal voiceovers, which are supposedly full of wisdom but just become tiresome after a while. They are perfectly reasonable introducing certain characters, but sometimes less is more.

Carlito's Way isn't the best film of its genre, but it is plenty serviceable and very enjoyable. If you've seen all the big ones, this is a good choice to put next in the pecking order.