Review of The Untouchables (1987) by Tom R — 30 Apr 2015

I have not seen this film as a whole. It may be unfair for me to even give a review, but there is something about The Untouchables that is so satisfying, and ridiculously fun. It's a big cartoon. Lots of giant set pieces and big men in high pants trying to eat up all of the scenery.

Kevin Costner pulls it off really well. Sean Connery is the film's star. He's just fantastic as that bad-ass irishman, the right one to combat with the ruthless gangsters. Then, there's Robert DeNiro as Al Capone.

Oh my goodness, he is absolutely frightening. This rivals Jake LaMotta as his best role EVER in a film. What's so tragic about it, however, is that he barely gets enough screen-time. The film opens with DeNiro, in a genius, menacing monologue, and then we have such a long stretch before he returns.

It just seemed inconsistent, and why this movie isn't perfect. We needed more Capone. Then again, Capone is such a huge figure in American history, he needs his own biopic.. but these days, it's too little, too late.

I think the film also suffers a little with it's tongue-in-cheek humor. That big jumpy soundtrack, and theatrical sets mixed in with the great dramatic story by Mamet and the bloody shootouts.. perhaps I missed the point? Slick, funny and piercingly dramatic, could this have been the precursor to Inglorious Basterds? You know what? I've gotta see this movie again.