Review of Carlito's Way (1993) by Brett W — 01 Feb 2010
Carlito's Way is what I'd consider a "borderline" classic, something you could probably go to your grave without seeing and be fine, but still well worth viewing. It can compete with some of the great crime dramas in most regards but has one giant thorn in its side, and that thorn is named Penelope Ann Miller. Like Diane Keaton in Godfather she manages to infuse every scene she appears in with a Lifetime-movie-of-the-week fluster that makes Pacino look like he's acting to the wall. As the supposed "voice of reason" love interest she only comes across as hysterical, and by the end makes you wish Carlito would just jump back into the thug life so he can be rid of her.
And now for the good...whew.
Sean Pean! He plays one of my favorite greasy mafia sidekicks ever, the great liability whose erratic tendencies keep "DRAGGIN' ME BACK INNNN! Hoorah!".
And of course Pacino is Pacino and can do no wrong (except for 88 Minutes which sucked all kinds).
This review of Carlito's Way (1993) was written by Brett W on 01 Feb 2010.
Carlito's Way has generally received very positive reviews.
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