The Deer Hunter

A long movie, with some very good scenes, and some that were merely good--I admit the editing (or lack therof) is what kept me from giving it five stars. I have to admit, the setting in Pittsburgh did help endear it to me. Bobby DeNiro is good as usual, Christopher Walken is a hoot, and Meryl is Meryl. It's hard to watch the John Cazale scenes, knowing he'd die so soon after. I appreciate the desire to show how raw the experience in Vietnam was, but it was over gleeful in painting the Viet Cong soldiers as barbaric sadists.

Taxi Driver

A movie that has forever changed history. What to say? DeNiro as an insomniac Travis Bickle who treads the line between hero and sociopath has become one of the landmark performances in New Hollywood. Strong supporting performances by Harvey Keitel as a creepy (and slightly gay) John, Cybill Shepard as a yuppie campaign pollster, and Jodie Foster as an under-aged prostitute. Young DeNiro really resembles Don Draper which give the film an interesting subtext when you consider Draper's mother was a whore and he was a vet and is loner (with a drinking problem). Overall another masterful partnership between Bobby and Marty, though I prefer Raging Bull.

Goodfellas

What can I say? I like Scorcese (especially when he works with Pesci and DeNiro, however I did enjoy Raging Bull more). A classic in it's own right that does a good job of stepping out of the shadow of The Godfather series. I have to say, Paul Sorvino and Ray Liotta really do shine in this film. I like the use of music and cut scenes that Scorcese employs since it kind of emmulates Henry Hill's 'wiseguy' persona--albeit breaking the fourth wall.

The Godfather: Part II

I loved the first Godfather because of Al Pacino, but in the sequel it was De Niro and John Cazale who really sparkled. This film is much darker than the first since it shows the decline of the Corleone dynasty which is odd, since at the end of the first film, one has the feeling that Michael is going to take the family to new heights. Tom Hagen's likening of the Roman Empire is astute in noting that both empires are brought to slow ruin by inside politics, jealousy, and decadence. I do like how slowly we see Michael become like the stoic Vito, while at the same time we see a more innocent and less somber side of Vito (during his childhood and rise as the Don). Liked it, but not as good in the first, hence the four stars.

Raging Bull

Well, there is no denying Scorsesse is one of the greatest directors of our generation, but undoubtedtly Raging Bull ought to have won him a Best Picture Oscar than The Departed, which in its own right was a good movie. I liked the cinematographers decision to shoot in black and white since it evoked the feeling of old boxing reel footage (much as was done in Good Night, and Good Luck. Everyone loves de Niro, but in my opinion Cathy Moriarty steals the show. In addition to looking gorgeous she gives the character depth beyond being a simply Jersey/ Brox girl. And of course Joe Pesci is funny, though I kept thinking about My Cousin Vinny.