 | | "What do you like, the leg or the wing Henry? Or do you still go for the old hearts and lungs?" |
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Beware of spoilers...
I won't make this too exhaustive. The 2-disc special edition of GoodFellas hit store shelves recently, and after going through its many documentaries, commentaries, and of course the film itself, I'm kind of all GoodFella'd out at this point in time. Blasphemy I know, but is there really anyone who still needs selling on this bad boy anyway?
Never the less, the flick still manages to seep coolness 15 years after it was made. Henry Hill's true to life tale of growing up as a "wiseguy" and his subsequent rollercoaster ride of a life feels just as fresh as it ever did.
It's full to the brim of all-time classic cinematic moments; Jimmy Conway's murderous musical montage, Tommy's "Funny how?" speech, and of course the opening scene of Henry slamming down that car bonnet proclaiming "I always wanted to be a gangster" to name just a few.
 | | "What da fuck is so funny about me? Tell me, tell me what's funny" |
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It's all impeccably shot, blissfully acted, and just paced to perfection. What's often overlooked though, is how it's also absolutely hilarious. Somehow it manages to pull that classic moronic mafia humour off without ever making a complete mockery of its subjects.
Every time you catch GoodFellas on the TV you just
have to watch it from start to finish, no matter how often you've seen it. There are reasons this film is still the basis for endless film courses, lectures and discussions throughout the world. In fact, looking at film as an art form, I honestly think there's nothing that can beat it. Really this is about as good as serious film making has ever been, and ever will be.
But How's the DVD?
 | | "He used a razor and he used to slice it so thin that it would liquefy in the pan" |
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I can recommend this new and much improved DVD edition to just about everyone. Fans of film in general can see some interesting behind the scenes footage and interviews on the creation of a masterpiece, including details of the editing process, music placement and how many of the great acting moments came to be.
Those who are more serious fans of the story itself will also enjoy the more voyeuristic aspect of listening to the real Henry Hill commentate over the actual film, truly a one of a kind special feature. Which begs the question I guess, how did Warner manage to entice Henry out of the witness relocation program to record this? Worrying indeed, when you consider Jimmy Conway is up for parole this year...
While The Godfather is widely considered the epitome of mafia storytelling, if you ask me it can't hold a candle to Scorcese's more recent masterpiece.
The one truly perfect film of our time?
This review/report was created by the great team at TPSreport.co.uk:
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