Goodfellas

THE GIST: The story of wannabe gangster Henry Hill and his association with the Italian mafia, particularly Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito. The three become inseparable and evermore daring in their operations, even getting arrested and sent to jail repeatedly.

One of the most lauded films by maestro Martin Scorsese, Goodfellas is rightfully considered the epitome of mafia-related motion pictures.

Headlined by Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, the movie also stars Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, and Debi Mazar.

Given the topic, a certain level of violence and suspense are to be factored in, but Pesci turns that knob up to a hundred, then smashes it with a hammer, and finally shoots it a dozen times. Not surprisingly, he won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for this role.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If crime movies, especially as they relate to the mafia, are your thing, this is a must-see. As is for any Scorsese fan like myself. If any of that turns you off, you won't be entertained.

Grade: 8