In a series of character-led incidents set against the background of New York City's Little Italy, we follow the life of Charlie, a small-time member of the wiseguy community who collects protection money. His friends Tony and Michael are part of the community, but his other friend Johnny Boy is unreliable and therefore must be shunned. Charlie's secret girlfriend Teresa has epilepsy, and so must also be shunned. When Charlie's uncle Giovanni offers him a restaurant - the first step up the ladder - Charlie is forced to choose between his desire for power, his love for Teresa and his duty to protect his friend Johnny Boy.
Third time's a charm for me and this film. This was easily the most I've ever enjoyed it and while I'll never put it on the scale of RAGING BULL, GOODFELLAS or CASINO, it was a great movie. It's Marty's break-through movie that put him in the spotlight and for good reason. I think this is where he really flexed his muscles in terms of the music. I loved the opening credits with Be My Baby by The Ronettes blaring through the speakers. It immediately reminded me of GOODFELLAS and the Rags to Riches song by Tony Bennett. However, I felt at first Marty used too much music early on. The first or second time we're in the nightclub Marty goes through about 3 or 4 songs. In GOODFELLAS and his films since he spreads the songs throughout the film. However, once we get out of the nightclub, Marty does redeem himself by playing enjoyable tunes and placing them at the appropriate moments. Also this movie is a break-through for Marty because it's his first and thankfully not last great gangster picture. Personally, I wouldn't put this in my Marty top 5 list but I would put it in the top 10 now.
