CASINO
A film review by Michael John Legeros
Copyright 1995 Michael John Legeros
(Uni) Directed by Martin Scorsese Written by Nicholas Pilegii and Martin Scorsese, based on the book by Pilegii Cast Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods, Kevin Pollock, Alan King, Don Rickles MPAA Rating "R" (for violence, language, sexual content, etc.) Running Time 177 minutes Reviewed at Mission Valley Cinemas, Raleigh, NC (16NOV95)
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Finally. The GOODFELLAS gang (Martin Scorsese, Nicholas Pilegii, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci) reunites for this stunning, yet demanding story of mob interests in 1970's Las Vegas. Based on Pilegii's non- fiction book, CASINO is the story of bookie-turned-casino boss Sam "Ace" Rothstein (De Niro). He's the brains behind the operation of the Tangiers Hotel and Casino, who, along with problem pal Nicky Santoro (Pesci), works to keep the cash flowing back to the Midwestern mob bosses.
Despite the prickly prospects of the subject matter--as well as a 177-minute running time--the first hour of CASINO is nothing short of incredible. The story opens with an extended introduction into casino management and the mob ties therein. Every conceivable base is covered as Pesci and De Niro narrate over a steady stream of oldies, while Scorsese's camera stays in constant motion through quick cut after cut after cut. It's a great start that slows, somewhat, in the second hour.
With the introduction of Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone), a Vegas vamp who ends up holding "Ace's" ace, the narrative becomes more conventional. No problem. Stone proves up to the task of the excep- tionally demanding role, though her cool chemistry with costar De Niro is muted and often difficult to read. In fact, one could argue that, even though it's a dramatic portend to later events, her entire subplot could be easily excised without any noticeable reduction to the overall structure, or emotion, of the story.
If De Niro and Stone are both a bit distant, Pesci is right there. He's the actor with the most fire, even if he's playing awfully close to his Oscar-winning role from GOODFELLAS. (Anyone for a tally of how often Pesci says the f-word? Or how many cigs De Niro smokes?) Backing the big three is a shrewd supporting cast that includes James Woods, Alan King, Kevin Pollock, and a serious Don Rickles. (The funny Don Rickles can be heard in TOY STORY, also opening this week.)
The third, and final hour of CASINO lacks something. As each of the characters close on their grim, inescapable outcomes, there's neither a rush, nor a relief at the end. No overt emotion for the viewer other than, perhaps, horror at the grisly fates suffered by some. (Hint: you'll be taking back junior's baseball-bat Christmas present after watching this one.) The beginning may be a blast, but the ending is nothing special. CASINO just ends; and that's that.
Technical credits are easily some of the best of the year. Dante Ferretti's eye-popping production design is a winner, as are Rita Ryack and John Dunn's fine, period costumes. Great soundtrack, too. Such a sumptuous production. I can't wait to see it again.
BOTTOM LINE: Scorsese. Casual viewers beware.
Grade: A-
-- Michael J. Legeros - Raleigh, NC legeros@nando.net (h) - legeros@unx.sas.com (w)
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