Casino

The best Scorsese. An orgy for cinephiles, a film without a single stumble or redundant detail. An engrossing introduction, a brilliant soundtrack, smooth transitions between the titular story and secondary events through the narrator, the beautiful bitch Stone, the charismatic De Niro and a devilish Joe Pesci. I can easily imagine that this is how things work in Vegas, I believed every punch and dialogue; I enjoyed myself a lot. 95% (21/11/2018)

The fact is that Martin Scorsese is playing it safe to some extent. In terms of form and narrative style, Casino is quite similar to Goodfellas, Mean Streets, and even Raging Bull and The Godfather, it depicts the rise, peak, and fall of a person and their close ones. However, it must be noted that Scorsese excels again, receiving top marks with a star. The captivating period feeling that he captured in Goodfellas is also present here. The scenes are similarly crafted and shot, there is similar period music, almost the same actors, and brutality is not spared either. Maybe the story is not as extensive and fast-paced as in Goodfellas, but it doesn't bother me. Scorsese again magnificently leads the ensemble cast. Robert De Niro, who took on the lead role this time, studied his character and portrayed him wonderfully, rightfully becoming the strongest acting element of the film, along with the excellent Sharon Stone. Joe Pesci toned it down a bit compared to his unforgettable performance in Goodfellas, but there were still a few of his typical outbursts. Scorsese directs in a top-notch manner, and maturity, and literal life experience shine from every shot. Overall, Casino is formally well-crafted and stylishly made, a gem that has not lost, and will never lose, its brilliance, style, charm, maturity, and power. (30/03/2004)

Martin Scorsese once again shows how much he loves voiceovers. This time we don't have just one narrator like in "Goodfellas," but several narrators. Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci lead the way. Scorsese once again excels at portraying the characters, but the audience occasionally feels that something is missing. Yes, it's excellent, but "Goodfellas" was already there, and Scorsese seems to be borrowing from himself a bit. Joe Pesci, however, once again proves how great he is. Unfortunately, his role is quite similar to the one in "Goodfellas." Sharon Stone confirms that she is a great actress. Robert De Niro... Well, he is simply unique. He is perfect in the role of the mobster. Yes, this should be called a Hollywood happy ending. (06/11/2013)

Usually there’s just one narrator to take us through a story, he’s our bell hop, maid and waiter and we like him and root for him. But what if there are two narrators, interrupting each other? Other precise crime movie from Marty that surprises us where we thought that was impossible. Bobby De Niro is perfect as always, Joe Pesci is a runt who I would be scared to look sideways at and Sharon Stone does credit to her name (she’s wasted for most of the movie). (10/10/2010)

I really enjoyed this movie: its narrative style, interesting personalities, and story. Even though it's so long, I never once felt bored. And right from the beginning I was rooting for De Niro and no one else; I wasn't indifferent to his fate... I went through it with him as if with a friend :-) (30/01/2009)