90s Movie Review - Goodfellas

Director: Martin Scorsese
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 145 minutes
Year: 1990
Starring: Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, Frank Vincent, Frank DiLeo, Frank Adonis, Chuck Low, Mike Starr

Description: The story of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and his life in the mob, covering his relationship with his wife Karen Hill (Lorraine Bracco) and his mob partners Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DVito (Joe Pesci) in the Italian-American crime syndicate.

Review: Every movie about the mafia has to deal with the fact that it will be compared to “The Godfather”. Director Martin Scorsese shows us his view on the mob in “Goodfellas”. Less drama, more street.
Ray Liotta is an excellent lead. As Henry Hill he is an opportunist, who does the dirty jobs for others and Liotta convinces you that Hill is also lurid and immoral enough to do it. Robert De Niro knows this as no other, and he cast perfectly as predator Jimmy. Supported by Joe Pesci, as psychotic Tommy De Vito. Maybe the most memorable role in “Goodfellas”.
 The first part of the movie is just genious. We see a young half Irish/ half Italian Henry, who starts working his way into the New York mob. We meet the most important people in this world. When Henry is older, the movie gets more violent. And I don’t mind that, I kinda like it. 
I think “Goodfellas” is one of the best movies Martin Scorsese has directed and one of my favorites that Robert De Niro has starred in. In the genre of mob movies it’s definitely high on the list. A true classic, with status.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 147: The Rocketeer

Director: Joe Johnston

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Family

Runtime: 108 minutes

Year: 1991

Starring: Bill Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin, Timothy Dalton, Paul Sorvino, Terry O’Quinn

Description: A young pilot (Bill Campbell) stumbles onto a prototype jetpack that allows him to become a high flying masked hero.

Review: “The Rocketeer” is an adventure film. Sounds exciting, but is not as exciting. Although director Joe Johnston wants you to believe that you’re watching Indiana Jones from the ‘90s, the movie isn’t as action packed and spectacular. But “The Rocketeer” is an enjoyable film.

In “The Rocketeer” we meet pilot Cliff Secord (Bill Campbell). He hopes to become an aviator, but he doesn’t have enough money and the people around him don’t help either. Cliff’s life changes when he finds a rocket. It can we worn as a backpack and makes it possible to actually fly. What Cliff doesn’t know is that the FBI and mean actor Neville Sinclair (Timothy Dalton) are both looking for it. To make sure it doesn’t end up in the wrong hands, Cliff decides to fight them as ‘The Rocketeer’, a flying superhero.

The flying hero isn’t in the movie as much as you’d hope. It’s mostly Cliff instead of the cool Rocketeer. And when the hero shows up, the special effects look pretty dated. and besides some flying and shooting scenes, there isn’t a lot of action either.

But this movie does have something I like. “The Rocketeer” has a certain atmosphere. Johnston manages to create the ‘30s and the characters are delightfully naïve and optimistic. I especially enjoyed Timothy Dalton’s over the top villain role. And this is a film that you could enjoy with the entire family. It feels nostalgic and it gives you a happy feeling.

No cinematic masterpiece, but an entertaining flick for young and old.

Rating: 3/ 5