Review of Little Caesar (1931) by Ivan M — 20 Apr 2012
Edward G. Robinson's place in cinematic history was made right here with his career-defining turn as the title character in this celebrated early gangster classic.
He plays Caesar Enrico "Little Caesar" Bandello- a small time hood who rises from the lowest level all the way to the top in this tried and true variation on the rags to riches story. He's a little guy with a big attitude and little regard for underworld protocol or having trusted friends and allies. He's a classic antihero if there ever was one.
The story is by the numbers, formulaic, and perhaps overdramatized, but this is still an enjoyable and important film, if more underwhelming than I had anticipated. It's a good effort, but not as striking or excellent as Scarface.
Robinson does a great job though, and there's some good sequences, and, since it is pretty influential, you should probably give it a watch, espeically if you are a fan of crime dramas.
This review of Little Caesar (1931) was written by Ivan M on 20 Apr 2012.
Little Caesar has generally received positive reviews.
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