Review of Mean Streets (1973) by Joseph H — 07 Mar 2011
This is one of Martin Scorsese's earlier works, and it shows. The movie started off promising with the introduction of some very interesting characters, but the movie just seems to fail to make good use of them. Some of the characters seem to disappear at random, only to re-enter without anything new or important to add to the plot.
The main plot revolves around a young up and comer street thug (played by Harvey Keitel) and his trouble-making, loose-cannon of a friend (played by Robert De Niro) as they try to repay a local loan-shark. An excellent performance by Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro.
Other then the main plot, we just end up following these two people, mostly Harvey Keitel, as they go throughout their regular routine. They party, drink, meet women, make extravagant purchases, etc.
This is a mafia movie, and they generally tend to have similarities, so I wouldn't really recommend this movie, I would say just skip to Scorsese's next major film 'Goodfellas', which tells a similar story, but in a much improved manner.
Other then the slow pacing of this movie, my only other complaint is the ending. It's very predictable and you could essentially figure out how things were about to unfold.
This review of Mean Streets (1973) was written by Joseph H on 07 Mar 2011.
Mean Streets has generally received very positive reviews.
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