This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 156! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey friends,
Today we’re looking at a movie that’s equal parts glamorous and terrifying: Martin Scorsese’s 1990 masterpiece, “Goodfellas.” This isn’t your grandpa’s gangster flick, folks. It’s a frenetic, coke-fueled ride through the life of Henry Hill, a small-time crook who weasels his way into the good graces of a powerful New York mob family.
Now, before you go all, “Wait, you hadn’t seen it yet?” on me, let me just say, better late than never, right?
Man, oh man, where do I even start with this masterpiece? First off, the vibe is just… you know, it throws you right into the thick of mob life without asking if you’re ready. And let me tell you, I was NOT prepared for the whirlwind of emotions this movie was about to serve up.
The plot? Oh, it’s a doozy. We’re talking about the life of Henry Hill, from his dreamy-eyed youth all the way to his paranoid, drug-fueled downfall. This film doesn’t just walk you through the life of a mobster; it grabs you by the collar and drags you through it. And the way Scorsese layers the story with themes of loyalty, power, and betrayal? Brilliant.
Ray Liotta absolutely owns the role of Henry. He’s this wannabe wiseguy, narrating his life story with a dark humor that makes you laugh even though, you know, he’s describing some seriously messed up situations. Liotta perfectly captures that whole “wiseguy” vibe – the swagger, the entitlement, the complete disregard for the law (and sometimes, human decency ).
But Henry ain’t exactly a solo act. He gets tangled up with two other iconic characters: Jimmy Conway (played by the legendary Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci, who deserved every single award he got for this role). Jimmy is the cool-headed gangster, the one who keeps things (mostly) under control. The man is a powerhouse, delivering lines with a smirk that tells you he’s always two steps ahead. Tommy, on the other hand, is a loose cannon – hair-trigger temper, violent outbursts, the whole shebang. The dude is like a firecracker – small but mighty, and when he goes off, you better duck.
Scorsese doesn’t shy away from the dark side of the mob life, either. Sure, there are flashy cars, mountains of cash, and endless parties (complete with an epic soundtrack that’ll have you itching to dig out your old jeans and a Members Only jacket). But there’s also the constant threat of violence, the paranoia, the fear of betrayal. You get this chilling sense that everything could come crashing down at any moment.
One thing I absolutely loved about this film is how Scorsese uses music. It’s like, every song perfectly captures the era and the emotion of the scene. You’re not just watching a movie; you’re time-traveling to the most stylish, dangerous dinner party ever, and the playlist is fire.
“Goodfellas” isn’t just a gangster movie, though. It’s a cautionary tale about the allure and dangers of easy money and the corrosive effect it can have on your life. By the end, you’re left wondering: is the fleeting high of that “goodfellas” life worth the constant fear and the inevitable fall? It’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion – you know it’s gonna end badly, but you can’t look away.
Anyway, this movie is a must-watch for any cinephile. It’s got phenomenal acting, a killer soundtrack, and a story that’ll stay with you long after the credits roll. But maybe dim the lights a bit (it can get pretty graphic), and get ready for a wild ride.
Catch you on the flip side 👋
Roger