Goodfellas Reviews

Goodfellas (1990) — Goodfellas is Director Martin Scorsese's contribution to the gangster genre. — The movie concerns itself with an inside look at a crime family in New York City. Much like the original gangster movies starring James Cagney and Paul Muni, it showed the rise and fall of the main characters; a pair of made mafiosi and an Irish relative who could never be made because of the racial qualification. — — Ray Liotta plays the protagonist, and the movie mainly follows his viewpoint, which possibly makes it more hard-hitting since he basically plays… read full review »

 A unique coming of age story  based on a true-crime story. However though we understand the character's allure, there is nothing glamorous about the world writer Pileggi and director Scorcese masterfully show us in this brilliant, violent, yet still stylish film. Unlike the operatic myth-making of  the Godfather films,  we are plunged into the gritty, cold, sometimes unpleasant world of organized crime. Scorsese's fluid camera work is a marvel to behold.  Ray Liotta, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino and Joe Pesci never better.  Robert DeNIro superb.  Directly… read full review »

Well, believe it. — I grew up on the streets of New York City, and have met many of the characters portrayed in this film. While not the actual characters portrayed, the similarities are remarkable. — This movie will take you "behind the scenes" of a shadier side of life. Mobsters do exist, in spite of what you may hear. — Ray Liotta gives an excellent performance as a non-italian, in the world of the Mafia. The characters are portrayed accurately, and the "pecking order" is right on target. — Paul Sorvino plays the main "Don" to a tee. — The one fault I found… read full review »

Goodfellas is masterpiece of modern cinema (directed by Martin Scorsese), but I can't help but be completely turned off by the main characters every time I watch this. It's a movie based on the life of a real New York mobster, and even though in the end he turns state's evidence and "cleans" up, he's still basically an unrepentant prick...pardon my French. So 5 stars for the directing, acting, etc, but I have to vote it down to 4 stars for that… read full review »

I have seen this movie probably 100 times, and will probably watch it another 100 times in my lifetime.  I LOVE this movie.  It has a great cast, terrific acting, and a storyline you wont soon forget.  I'm always more into a movie when it's based on actual events.  Goodfellas is a true story of a gangster, Henry Hill, who ratted out the "boss" and other members of the family. — I'm part Italian, and I felt that this movie showed great respect for the Italian culture.  Even though it's based on the mafia, which is a very criminal element, they… read full review »

Great movie. No question--one of my all-time favorites. However the special features are lacking. The case is supurb, the direction is impecible, the story riveting. What more can I say? Nice package, but as I said, limited special features. Would not recommend it--wait for the deluxe edition out in the fall. Although, the movie is realy good if you can't wait then just buy… read full review »

The Goodfellas has a very interesting story line, but WOW the language, and the murder.… read full review »

My family and friends would be chuckling if they knew I was writing a review of "Goodfellas".  It has become a joke that despite owning the film both on VHS and DVD, I continue to watch it whenever it airs on television, even on network TV that edits language and is interrupted by commercials. — This movie is positively timeless.  A thoroughly engrossing story (yes, I've also read the book on which it was based, "Wiseguy", Director Martin Scorcese brought this story to film in the unique and ingenius way that is only his.  The cinematography, coupled with Mr. Scorcese's… read full review »

 If you have a film collection this is a "Must have" along with Godfather I & II. — Based on the book Wiseguyby Nicholas Pileggi, the true story of mob informer Henry Hill. This is a classic that belongs in the top 10 Gangster films of all time. — The selection of actors playing the various characters is exceptional and quite believable. The plot is at times predictable but never disappointing and illustrates the lengths to which a mob mentality will go to see an end. You actually develop and type of friendship with the various characters, many of whom went on the their own… read full review »

Second only to the Godfather trilogy, Goodfellas is one of the best gangster movies ever made. Very graffic in it's violence, it is certainly an adults-only film. The outstanding performances are too numerous to mention, save one. Joe Pesci is amazing in this movie as a mamma-loving psychologically unhinged g-man. While not a traditional date movie it would be a perfect view for a couple containing a nontraditional woman like me. I give this movie five stars and bow it into it's rightful place in maffia/gangster movie… read full review »

This is an excellent movie with an awesome cast.  There is not one bad thing i could say about this movie.  Its one you could watch over & over again,  which i have.  Deniro, Pesci & Liotta work so well together in this movie you would think they were the actual characters from the movie. —    If you like mob movies than this is a movie for you, —… read full review »

The Goodfellas plot mirrors those of some of the great gangster movies to date. The plotline, narration, and action sequences are just amazing. It gives a fascinating account of what goes on in the life of crime, and the way it inevitably goes awry after too much intra-family deception. The movie captures one's interest beginning to end, though at times it may seem excessive and… read full review »

I really can't find a bad thing to say about Goodfellas.  From the script down to the cast was great.  Deniro is outstanding as usual, Ray Liotta always captures my attention and Joe Pesci, well what can you say about him except exellence!  I have watched it many times and while it maybe a tad long it's a great story line and defintely worth watching. … read full review »

I just love all the different lines that come out of this movie... You might not even remember them all, but when you hear that it came from that movie, you go back and watch it just to see. Lots of swearing, but that's the way a lot of people talk now, unfortunately. I think you hear it more in real life sometimes than in this movie. — … read full review »