Review of The Valachi Papers (1972) by Randy T — 10 Oct 2009
As a mob history lesson, The Valachi Papers gets a B minus, as a film it rates a solid C. The characters, especially the Italians, are reduced to thin characterizations. At times, its as though the Super Mario Brothers are recreating scenes from The Godfather or Goodfellas. The accents, and the mustaches, are just that cheesy. Still, Bronson presents an intriguing, albeit romanticized, representation of real-life mob hitman Joseph Valachi.
It's interesting to note that the film's production had to be halted in the U.S. because it became too dangerous to continue. Apparently certain powerful entities didn't want the story told. It was completed in Europe.
This review of The Valachi Papers (1972) was written by Randy T on 10 Oct 2009.
The Valachi Papers has generally received positive reviews.
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