Goodfellas (1990)

My Review

“Goodfellas” is a biographical gangster movie about the rise and fall of a Mafia leader from the 1950’s through the 1980’s. Director Martin Scorsese (“Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” 1974) put together quite a masterpiece of a motion picture with great production values, riveting performances, an exciting storyline, stylish execution, and good writing from a screenplay he co-wrote with Nicholas Pileggi. It was adapted from Pileggi’s book “Wiseguy,” chronicling the true story of Henry Hill, filmed in New York City and across the river in New Jersey.

The stars of the show include Ray Liotta as Hill, Lorraine Bracco as his wife, Joe Pesci, Robert De Niro, Paul Sorvino as his associates, as well as Debi Mazar, Michael Imperioli, Illeana Douglas, Vincent Pastore, Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Silvero, Tony Darrow, Mike Starr, Frank Vincent, Bo Dietl, Tony Sirico, Henny Youngman, and Jerry Vale. The watchable “Goodfellas” was popular in theaters for Irwin Winkler Productions and Warner Bros. Pictures. It was nominated for six Oscars, winning one for Best Supporting Actor (Pesci). Non-winners were Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress (Bracco), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.