Serpico

Rating:
Summary: Pacino's Magnum Opus
Review: Serpico...I still remember the original movie billboards with that name in 1973, and it's a classic piece of filmmaking.
Sidney Lumet directed Pacino as the real life hero cop who took on police based evil in the New York Police Department. Pacino gets completely into the role...he becomes Serpico, an honest open-minded hippy cop in the '60s pitted against his corrupt disgusting colleagues and the higher ups who not only allow the corruption, but (as the film hints at) conspire to crush those who try to expose it.
You must see this film uncut, as many of us saw it only on TV with much of the intensity cut out. Of course the film adds some extra drama to it not in the actual Peter Maas biography, just as Alan Parker did in Midnight Express.
Some tidbits: They actually had a year long TV series Serpico in 1975. And watch for the newly finished World Trade Center in the background (during the actual events it wasn't yet finished...not nitpicking...just something of interest).
Finally this is Al Pacino's definitive performance, in my opinion a superior role and film to The Godfather. Especially since he's the good guy in this one.

Rating:
Summary: Pacino in top form in a gripping story
Review: Taken from the true story of the life of Frank Serpico, this important film stirred up controversy and showed us a side of police departments that they certainly don't want shown. Serpico plays the only honest cop who doesn't take bribes and kickbacks. What is scary is the casual manner the other cops in the film just view taking the graft is just part of the job just like loading their guns. We also see a scary lesson of what happens when one honest man takes on an entire bureaucracy that does not welcome him and what can ultimately happen to him. How many other Serpico's are out there past and present who never got to tell their story for one reason or another. A powerful film that is just as relevant today as when it was made.

Rating:
Summary: One Of Pacino's Best!
Review: The movie Serpico was one of the finest roles Al Pacino has
ever done. This movie is based on a true story about a New York
policeman who encounters corruption citywide by New York City
police officers.He goes undercover to begin making cases against
crooked police officers.His life becomes dangerous. He survives
an assassination attempt by crooked officers and begins the prosecution process.This movie shows the ins and outs of the Serpico story.This was a dynamite movie about a policeman who risked it all.The acting by Pacino rivals the roles that he played on the Godfather. This is a must see film.An outstanding
movie about Frank Serpico.

Rating:
Summary: Very compelling story.
Review: The story of Frank Serpico, an honest Nyc cop, is one of the most compelling police movies ever made. Al Pacino gives the character a lot of class and cool. Serpico is an easy-going guy with very clear morals about what's right and what's wrong. As he moves from precinct to precinct in dire hope of finding an honest place to work, all he finds are more and more corrupt cops...and it seems to be driving him insane both morally, and insane because the cops aren't comfortable with cops who don't take money. The film does a great job of displaying how the corruption is corrosive and unjust to the people of our country...but esp. interesting is that this wonderfully directed Sidney Lumet film is really very much like a suspense adventure chase...but at a much slower speed in which you can watch as things crumble and go to pot. Pacino plays the role in an understated manner...perhaps due to his knowledge of the real Frank Serpico, or maybe a creative choice. Either way, it's not his usual boisterous way...no crooked looks, no playful grins, etc. You'll forget Pacino is in this character. That Academy is worthless for not handing out an Oscar for this or Scarface or for Godfather I or II...or Dog Day Afternoon or Glengarry Glen Ross.

Rating:
Summary: Pacino the great
Review: This is a good movie, but not Pacino's best. This is based on a true story, and you really get an idea of how corrupted the police force once was. I am a big Pacino fan and he plays the straight cop who will not "be a cop on the take" and he plays the part very well! It was a little slow moving at times, but still good acting.

Rating:
Summary: They come no better than this.
Review: This is a wonderful movie with an even more incredible sound track....one which I can not find on CD...does anyone know where I can obtain a copy...or if it was ever published other than on a record?

Rating:
Summary: Realistic in its depiction of the police, it's frightening!
Review: Well made film about the dark side of the NYC police department that few ever got to know about. One of Pacino's better performances on screen. In order to see its full effect, you have to get the unedited video; censored television presentations take away too much of the quality of this picture.