Rating: Summary: "END OF THE LESSON" Review: A MOVING SOUNDTRACK, LIKEABLE GOOD GUYS AND DESPICABLE 'HEAVIES' DO JUSTICE IN BRIAN DEPALMA'S STAB AT THE GANGSTER GENRE. COSTNER'S PERFORMANCE, BELIEVE IT OR NOT IS THE ONLY THING REALLY LACKING IN THIS EFFORT. DONT MISUNDERSTAND, I LIKE COSTNER AND THINK HE IS A GOOD ACTOR, WITH EVEN MORE POTENTIAL AS A DIRECTOR. BUT THERE ARE SCENES WHERE HE JUST DOESNT COME ACROSS WELL AS THE BESIEGED 'ELLIOTT NESS.' HE JUST ISNT AS DRIVEN AS T.V.S 'ROBERT STACK' WAS.BUT OVERALL THE FILM WORKS, ESPECIALLY 'SEAN CONNERY'S' TOUGH IRISH STREET COP WHO IS AT ONCE RELENTLESS, EXPERTLY BRUTAL WHEN NECESSARY AND PHILISOPHICLY WITTY. CONNERY'S PERFORMACE IS THE 'CHARACTER HIGHLIGHT' OF THIS MOVIE AND BY ITSELF WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION. THE STORY IS SIMPLE, NESS'S RAG TAG MIXMATCHED BUNCH OF COPS ARE TAKING ON CHICAGO MOBSTER 'ALFONSE CAPONE' PLAYED WELL BY DENIRO WHO GAINED A LOT OF WEIGHT FOR THE ROLE. BOB DENIRO IS GOOD. OF COURSE, WHEN IS HE BAD? THIS MOVIE MOVES LIKE A DRAMATIC ACTIONEER SHOULD WITH PLENTY OF SHOOTOUTS AND A FAST PACED STORYLINE. CONNERY'S VETERAN STREET COP TUTORS 'GREEN' TREASURY MAN NESS, AND THESE SCENES ARE THE MOST MEMORABLE, WITH CONNERY SPOUTING OFF CRISP WHIMSICAL INSTRUCTION TO A SLIGHTLY RESENTFUL FED (COSTNER.) AS CONNERY SAYS "YOUR AT THE END OF THE LESSON." AND WE ARE AT THE END OF THE REVIEW.
Rating: Summary: "If someone messes with me...I'm gonna mess with him." Review: Brian De Palma delivers a beautifully photographed and very stylish version of "The Untouchables" that would please any fan of the gangster genre as well as ordinary film buffs. The movie is set in Chicago during the Prohibition Era where the streets are ruled by perhaps one of America's most famous wiseguys,Al Capone (Robert De Niro).On the good side of the law, there's Eliot Ness(Kevin Costner), a naive, goody-goody cop, who, along side fellow police officers, Stone(Andy Garcia) and Malone(Sean Connery in his Oscar-winning role), as well as an accountant(I forgot his name! oops!), work to bring Big Al down. Robert De Niro makes Al Capone look like he should've run for President. :)His vision of the gangster is a jovial, comedic,and evil politician. A thug-celebrity! He hosts fabulous parties, wears nothing but Armani suits, and always takes time to answer the questions of the swarm of reporters who follow his every move. There's also that dangerous side of him who's not afraid to take care of business in the middle of an extensive dinner party. This gangster is a lot more fun-loving when compared to, say, De Niro's portrayal of young Vito Corleone in "The Godfather Part 2." There's a different, yet similar contrast in their personalities. De Niro steals the show. Hands down! He's absolutely fun to watch. Kevin Costner is generally good in this film. However, there is one scene that falls a little flat. When Ness goes to the hotel where Capone is staying to pick a fight with him after he finds the accountant murdered in an elevator, he's not very convincing. De Niro however is reminiscent of Jake La Motta(Raging Bull); talking trash to his opponent, "You wanna do it now? You wanna go to the mat now?" :)There was a lot of confidence and strength missing from Costner's protagonist.But all in all, he did a nice job. Some scenes could have been better-acted though. Andy Garcia and Sean Connery are awesome in this movie. They bring cockiness and ruthlessness to their characters and it really works! There are many violet scenes, but what do you think this is? Disney? :) Thanks to De Palma's direction, the film's near-flawless cinematography,and not to mention a bat-swinging,spiffy Armani-wearing lord of the Underworld,"The Untouchables" is one [...] of a movie! I highly recommend it!
Rating: Summary: A visually stunning and interesting masterpiece Review: Brian DePalma's version of THE UNTOUCHABLES is a wonderful one. Great acting from Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, and Robert Deniro are evident. Also, the cinematography and sets make it visually stunning and gorgeous. This a film that is lauded and hailed as a classic. People who enjoy great plots, fine acting, and a gorgeous film need to buy THE UNTOUCHABLES today. Set during Prohibition, THE UNTOUCHABLES chronicles Elliot Ness' quest to catch Al Capone. He will need help, so he recruits an Irish policeman (Connery) and an Italian rookie (Andy Garcia). However, Capone will not make it easy for any parties involved. His menacing right hand Frank Nitti will be the main obstacle. This quest is beautifully chronicled and is a film you need to see. This film, like all, has flaws. While it is gorgeous, it uses excessive language. The occasional swear is decent for shock value, but David Mamet's script uses it too excessively at points. There are also a few goofs that are very menial and should not affect one's enjoyment of this grand film. All in all, this is a spectacular film. If you enjoy gangster pictures, Sean Connery, wonderful scenery, and great films you will love this movie. If you don't enjoy swearing, or violence this film isn't for you. Also, this is not a film for young children. That being said, buy this wonderful film today!
Rating: Summary: The Chicago Way Review: I am not really a fan of Kevin Costner's acting skills. That said, there are a handful of his films though, where I think that despite his prescence, the film is still to good to ignore. The Untouchables is such a film. Taking its cues from the hit television show of the same name, starring the late Robert Stack, Brian De Palma created an unflinching mob film that is hard to forget. The film traces the struggles of idealistic lawman Eliot Ness (Costner) as he ties to bring down the notorious Al Capone (Robert De Niro) at the height of the prohibition era. Ness soon discovers that most of the Chicago police force is corrupt and on the take. After a chance meeting of beat cop Jimmy Malone (Sean Connery, giving an Oscar winning performance), Ness learns he must do things a bit differently, if he wants to take down Capone. The two men take on a pair of allies, to help with their crusade, Agent Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith) and Agent "George Stone" (Andy Garcia). Those familiar with the films of Brian De Palma wont be disappointed. Like Scarface before it, the film is nearly an urelenting assault on the senses. Everything is nearly pitch perfect. Of course, it also doesn't hurt that writer David Mamet's script, expertly avoids the typical ganster cliché at almost every turn. The film is quite violent but after awhile, you are so drawn in, that it becomes an important part of the narrative. De Niro as Capone gives a gleeful turn, without going over the top. Garcia, early in his career, makes us sit up and take notice. And all I can say of Connery is that, for me, the film helped me to see him outside of his role as superspy James Bond, for the first time (even though he hadn't been Bond for some time by then). Costner plays Ness quite well--but it helps that Connery is there. I really wish that Paramount would release a special edition of The Untouchables on DVD. It certainly deserves it. As it stands now, the only extra on the current disc, is the film's theatrical trailer. And that my friends is truly a crime. For now, The Untouchables gets **** and a half stars.
Rating: Summary: ¿You want to know how to defeat Capone....?¿ Then Watch This Review: It is the 1930's and the Mob has been successfully breaking the prohibition law, shipping their bootlegged alcohol from one place to another. Law Enforcement is getting fed up of always losing out to the Mafia's operations so they call on Elliot Ness (Kevin Costner). Ness is now assigned to prevent further successful "Mob transactions" how ever he deems necessary. Ness decides he can assemble a small team to assist him in his task. The members that agree to help Ness include an accountant (Charles Martin Smith), a fairly new police officer (Andy Garcia), and a streetwise cop (Sean Connery). This four man team will become to be known as The Untouchables as they fight Al Capone's (Robert DeNiro) illegal operations. This film has an amazing cast, boasting such star power as Sean Connery who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor as Malone. This movie is done stylishly which keeps its audience glued on the action. The action scenes are very exciting and the detail put into this film gives it a firm 1930's feel. The film is based on the old television show in which Robert Stack (Host from Unsolved Mysteries) played Elliot Ness.
Rating: Summary: Fun gritty period piece shoot em up Review: Simple escapism fun. Kevin Costner plays straight-arrow federal agent Elliot Ness who is initially dedicated to using every lawful means to bring down gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro). Tough beat cop Malone, played by Sean Connery, disabuses Elliot of his naivete and, along with a raw recruit played by Andy Garcia and a FBI lawyer played by Charles Martin Smith, helps him start to punch holes in Capone's defenses. Needless to say, Capone is unamused and retaliates. The movie is a series of back-and-forth confrontations between good and evil culminating in a more-or-less historically accurate courtroom scene where Capone is tried for tax evasion. Connery won an for his performance in this film Oscar and deserved it. Tough and smart. An intelligent and complex portrayal of a gruff old man who has one last chance to do some good. Its kind of a shame. Connery is a fine actor when he wants to be. Unfortunately, he seldom wants to be. De Niro is great as Capone. Charming and vicious at the same time. Very over-the-top in just the right way. Garcia and Smith hold thier own. Costner is as wooden as a cutout of himself. I've never understood why Costner is so famous and respected in Hollywood. He is a dreadful actor. He's made one great Western, a couple of clever baseball flicks back in the 80's, this film and a few fairly good films here and there. Hardly the second coming of Sir Lawrence Olivier. Hell, he's not even as good an actor as Connery, De Niro, or Charles Martin Smith. Sorry Andy. Lots of action, plenty of blood, great lines, the period is very convincingly recreated, the score is great, the shooting is very creative and De Palma did a great job directing. There are some minor gaffs here and there. Mostly in being faithful to the period and sequence pacing. Little stuff. For instance, Canada did not use the red maple leaf as a national symbol in 1930. But so what. All in good fun.
Rating: Summary: An Untouchable Masterpiece Review: The Untouchables is one of the greatest gangster movies ever made. By simply looking at the cast of the movie it is apparent that it is a must-see film. The film stars Kevin Costner as federal agent Eliot Ness, Robert De Niro as gangland kingpin Al Capone and Sean Connery as Malone. Directed by Brian De Palma, the man who introduced the world to Scarface. The Untouchables is his greatest directorial achievement to date. The soundtrack is brilliant, it is solumn in some parts but overall it is a blend of classical opera music and a jumpy "Gangster Movie" soundtrack. The film has a fantastic script written by David Mamet. However, the film's success must be awarded to the actors. Sean Connery was awarded in 1987 by receiving the Academy Award (Oscar) for an Actor in a Supporting Role. I believe that Connery deserved the Oscar; firstly because he had never one an Oscar before and secondly because his acting in the film is astonishing. I have rated this movie with five stars because it stands in my collection as one of the greatest movies ever made. The Untouchables stands proudly alongside such previous gangster films as The Godfather. The DVD transfer is excellent. The picture and the sound are extremely clear. Although the lack of special features is frightening; since the DVD only boasts a Theatrical Trailer. Also the DVD is presented in widescreen I recommend that the film be watched in this format so that its full potential can shine.
Rating: Summary: Great gangster cartoon! Review: The Untouchables tells the story of four policemen who fight Al Capone during the prohibition of the 30's. Don't expect anything like The Godfather though: this movie merely aims at -sometimes cartoonish- entertainment. Don't be surprised with the stereotypical characters and story and the all too colourful 30's setting. It's just how this movie works. Robert de Niro's Al Capone is excellent as the funny bad guy, Kevin Costner and Sean Connery both fit excellently in their roles as two persistent police officers with a mission. Yes, several happenings in the story may be somewhat cliché, but it is nothing less an exciting movie to watch. Executions, shoot-outs, trials and much more: it's all here. It's still better to pinch something well than to invent something badly!
Rating: Summary: Well-crafted but missing something Review: There's something resoundingly hollow about "The Untouchables," the Brian de Palma film of the Chicago-gangster era. It looks fantastic, but it manages to drain all the blood out of its subject and provide us with the most aseptic, Hollywood-ized version of the Capone saga imaginable. Consider: * Al Capone was probably a fascinating man, but the movie doesn't know how to convey any of that. He's given brassy, vulgar dialogue and a few arch scenes, but that's it. We don't get a hint of how this man made his empire other than by smashing open heads with baseball bats (and you know that didn't work all the time). * Elliot Ness. Again, a fascinating figure, a man who later in his career was convinced that his persecution of the Torso Killer was being stopped by men in high places. As played here by Kevin Costner, he seems like little more than the ur-Algore (with apologies to Al, who's quite a nice guy). His success in his persecution of Capone is attributed to a fictional character, the Sean Connery cop, rather than to any real ingenuity on his part. * The movie takes the usual liberties with times, places, and events, but why do that when the original events were far more interesting than anything in this movie? * The script, by David Mamet, is not his usual effort; it's bland and unconvincing. (One scene involving a snoopy photographer is so badly put together that it's amazing that the heroes don't get found out.) The only scene that really works involves a very creative use of a corpse, but it's a throwaway. And so on. This isn't a bad movie, but it's loaded with holes that makes it difficult to enjoy -- and an ending so dismissive it plays like an afterthought. That's the last thing a muscular crime movie needs.
Rating: Summary: Touchable... Review: This film marks several remarkable firsts: The first true representation of a David Mamet film script (although "The Verdict" in 1980 came first), the leading-man status of Kevin Costner (deservedly so, since despite disasters like "The Postman" and "3000 Miles to Graceland", he's a very good actor with a very impressive resume and an Oscar to boot), Sean Connery's first Oscar win, also very much deserved, and most importantly, the first good film from Brian De Palma. People call films like "Body Double", "Carrie", "Blow Out" and "Dressed to Kill" classics... why they do, I have nary a clue. Those are some of the worst rip-off films in history. His "Hitchcockian" feeling is, to me, straight-up plagarism. He rips off plots and shots that are embarassing mish-moshes of Hitch's best (and worst) stuff. And did you see "Mission to Mars"? I didn't think so. And the only people that I can imagine that liked "Femme Fatale" were fans of the bathroom sequence (If you saw it, you know what I'm talking about). The only other film of his that was worth watching was "Mission: Impossible". But "The Untouchables" is a real work of art. I won't go into plot points, but I'll comment on the film's great points: 1) The dialogue is sparkling. Mamet makes these people real as opposed to just making them standard action caricatures (the young idealist, the grizzled old wise-man, the cocky rookie, and the dorky fifth-wheel). 2) The performances are top-notch. Costner, Connery, Martin Smith, Garcia, De Niro, and an underrated performance from Richard Bradford as Chief Dorsett really help to pull this film off. They give it all they got. They make the tragedy and drama and excitement and horror and triumpth of this film work. 3) The visuals are stunning. Stephen Burum really makes that camera work, especially with those beautiful shots of LaSalle Street. This film is a great revisionist telling of the Eliot Ness vs. Al Capone brawl. The film obviously takess a lot of liberties with history, but they really work, especially with the dispatching of one particularly bad man which in my opinion makes for the MOST satisfying film death EVER. It really makes you happy to watch this guy bite it ("Did he sound anything like THAT?!?"). This is a great film and I could not recommend it more highly. But go ahead and skip the rest of De Palma's 'classics'.
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