Which are good?

Which Mafia movies are any good? I've seen Goodfellas, which I enjoyed, Analyze This, which was ok, and Mickey Blue Eyes, which I don't recommend. I also saw a few others that I can't recall their titles right now. Of course, I've watched 'The Godfather' trilogy multiple times.

So I've seen a lot of Mafia/Organized Crime movies mentioned here and I was wondering which of them are worth it and which were a waste of time.

Liz -

I'd highly recommend two others:

A Bronx Tale with Robert DeNiro and Chazz Palminteri. Its a true portrayal of the Mob in the 60's Bronx, and a semi-autobiographical story by Palminteri. Well acted, and a poignant story of a father's love for his son.

Once Upon a Time in America again with DeNiro, and James Woods. Its a wonderful story of betrayal and twists. If possible, get the longer version (just under 4 hours).

SC is right on, plus, in no particular order...

I haven't seen it in a while, but I remember Miller's Crossing to be a good flick about the Irish Mob... and don't forget Pacino's Donnie Brasco. You should also enjoy De Niro and Pesci in Casino and, of course, Goodfellas. Then there's the classic 1932 Scarface with Paul Muni, considered one of the best of all time. Mario Puzo's The Last Don series is worthwhile, as are Gotti and Lansky. You can't miss The Sopranos series, and I'd lastly recommend The Untouchables.

There are plenty more, but this is a good start

NOW - Be sure to avoid these, or at least not pay to see them:

The "comedies" called The Godson and Mafia!, and that really bad adaptation of The Sicilian.

JG

[ September 07, 2001: Message edited by: J Geoff ]

"Excellent Cadavers" released in 1999 is an excellent film depiction of the Sicilian Mafia's brutal reign. Chazz Palmintieri stars as Justice Giovanni Falcone who courageously crusaded against the Corleonese under Toto Riina and paid the ultimate price = death. F. Murray Abraham turns in a brilliant performance as the pentito Mafioso Tommasso Buscetta. Filmed on location in Sicilia, this is a film of class and substance, Don Rico says check it out.

Somehow I missed "Excellent Cadavers" -- grazie, Don Rico!

JG

It makes my mouth water.

Miller's Crossing is my favorite "non-Godfather" movie. I love the Coen brother films and Gabriel Byrne is excellent. The rest of the cast is too.

oooh...oooohh, just thought of one!!

Ocean's Eleven!! The Rat-Pack outfoxes the mob!!

Carlito's way is my fav movie of all time. pacino at his best. wont tell u the story, but make sure u watch it!!

There were alot of great movies mentioned above.

I don't know if you can get this anywhere, but earlier this summer, TNT showed a TNT original movie, Boss of Bosses. It stars Chazz Palminteri as Paul Castellano. It is based on the book of the same name, which I recently read.

I would reccommend the movie, but if you could read the book, it is 10 times better with 10 times more information.

Welcome Rocky.Yes I remember that movie.I really couldnt get into it.....

Rocky,

While you are definatley entitled to your opinions and tastes in movies, I must RESPECTFULLY disagree with you rearding the TNT movie Boss of Bosses. It was way off fact and they made Pualie look like an adonis, and his maid out to be a beautiful. If you've followed real life events, you would see that Paulie was not the best looking man in the world, and his maid was outright ugly. If my memory serves me correctly, there are many references in that movie that were not factual. However, I will admit that if it was not for Chazz Palminteri, I would have never made it through the whole movie. He is an outstanding actor, and without him I think that Boss of Bosses is a total bust.
My friend, I mean you no disrespect whatsoever, but I just wanted to voice my opinion on that movie.

Don Cardi

OK, let me clarify a little bit, as it seems my taste in movies has been questioned.

First, I only saw the movie that one time, when it was on TNT the first night. I thought it was pretty good, but in retrospect, maybe it was just Chazz Palminteri that was so good. Overall though, I still think it was a decent movie, I didn't say it was the greatest, I just thought I'd add it to the list.

Second, as I said, I just read the book. Now having seen the movie back in June or whenever it was on, and now reading the book, I'll admit that the movie isn't exactly fresh in my mind, as is the book. As I said, I reccomend the movie, unless you can get the book.

I will agree with you Don Cardi, that Big Paul and Gloria were portrayed differently in the movie then they really were, according to the book at least. As much as I like Chazz Palminteri, maybe he wasn't the best guy for the part. Perhaps Danny Aiello would have been better.

So maybe in writing that as a reccomendation, I spoke too fast, for maybe I was mostly remembering the book. But for a TV movie of the week on TNT, you have to admit that it was decent. Especially if you don't know the whole story of Big Paul.

But you too, paisan, are entitled to your opinion.

As for Liz, I read in another post from you on a different thread that you recently read Boss of Bosses...if that is the case, don't watch the movie. It is one of those cases where the book is tons better.

Any idea where I could rent/buy this? I'd be very interested in seeing it?

I myself Don Rico found "Excellent Cadavers" at my local home video rental store. About a year or so ago it was in New Releases. I forget the film studio company that produced it, but it's in mass market distribution, so it should be in all corporate media retail outlets.

Rocky, you don't need to apologize, your my brother!
Seriously though, your point is well taken!

Don Cardi

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I must agree. Carlitos Way was an excellent mob movie. I think It is so cool how Pacino can portray so many dif. nationalities. For exp. Cuban, PuertoRican, an Italian.