Review of Casino (1995) by Daniel P — 20 Sep 2012

Kind of a forgotten Scorsese, which is a shame. It's a little long, and a little over-narrated, but it's never boring, and visually - the car bomb that kicks it all off, especially - it's among his best work.

It may have been dismissed because, for Marty, it's cliche: another rise-and-fall story, another seedy American epic, another movie that's mostly De Niro and Joe Pesci arguing. But Sharon Stone, in all her 90s glory, steals plenty of scenes and earns her Oscar nomination, and works really well with James Woods, who could have easily been included in 1995's crowded Best Supporting Actor category.

Competent to great work in every aspect, and though it might not blow you away anywhere, the craftsmanship shines through its every moment. Ho-hum? Maybe... but only by Scorsese's standards. Excellent movie.