Review of GoodFellas (1990) by Mmeese1 — 21 Apr 2015

What a classic. The quintessential MOB movie. Interesting because none of the main characters are actually in the MOB. This film stands on a pillar to all influenced by films of this genre. From directors to actors, curious onlookers to actual gangsters, this film is more a documentary than a mere movie. Celebrating its 25th anniversary it still is as influential as it became the summer of 1990. Hailed by notorious film critics Siskel and Ebert as "the greatest MOB mover ever". The two critics often disagreed but when it came to "Goodfellas" they shared a rare collaboration of positive notions as to the direction of the ever influential Martin Scorsese as well as great performances by Ray Liotta, Robert Deniro, and Joe Pesci whom took home a gold statue as best supporting actor.

I recently read an article that caught my eye about the making of Goodfellas. It is in the most recent May 2015 issue of Playboy magazine. It tells of the numerous walkouts at the preview screening. Irwin Winkler, the films high powered producer says in an interview " People started running out of that theater like the place was on fire," "we had 38 walkouts alone after the scene where Joe Pesci's character Tommy DeVito, knifes the body of Billy Batts in the trunk of a car. And that was just the beginning of the movie." "The screening didn't go badly it was disastrous." Funny that this was the reaction the night of screening. I wonder what the people who walked out that night think of this movie now? Obviously it was a different time but nonetheless this movie is now immortal. Fun fact to prove this point, Goodfellas holds a place in the Library of Congress's National Film Registry. If you are unaware the film registry is a prestigious list of culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant films. Even the much more modern MOB portrayal HBO hit "The Sopranos" owes its creative roots to Goodfellas. The shows creator David Chase has acknowledged his debt to the film, saying, "Goodfellas is the Koran for me".

Personally, this film moves me a great deal. Having grown up watching it, I still find it interesting. I have literally watched the film hundreds of times yet find new chuckles every time I watch it. I find particular joy in the event I am able to share this all time great with an unfamiliar audience. It is a violent movie yes, but also an unfolding drama and love story of epic proportions. Depicting the rise and fall of an Irish-Italian American street thug whom eventually becomes a real life Mafia insider. Every time I pop it in my VHS player I smile. Yes VHS, it gives it even greater charm I assure you. In conclusion this movie is not to be missed and worth re-watching year after year.esumptuous to say it will remain MOB film for decdes to come. It is always funny to me that people assume the MOB is a thing of the past. I suppose you just don't hear much about it anymore. I always joke to people they didn't disappear, they just went to Congress! HA! With that being said I will leave you with the infamous first line of narration: "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.