Martin Scorsese assembles his dream team (Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci) for the ultimate mob epic. De Niro plays Frank Sheeran, a union truck driver, whose friendship with mob boss Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) introduces him to organized crime's inner circle and Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino.) 4 stars, R-rated and brilliant.
Scorsese takes his time showcasing the arc of mobster Robert Di Niro's life. A union truck driver, De Niro locks back on the lucky breaks of his life, including his friendship with mob boss Joe Pesci, who's impressed that De Niro mastered fluent Italian during World War II. Even though he's Irish, Pesci accepts De Niro into the inner circle and connects him to Jimmy Hoffa, as played by Al Pacino. "The Irishman" has a theory about Hoffa's disappearance, which it shows to great shock. Pesci and Pacino chew the scenery. De Niro stays quiet, following orders and avoiding guilt to the end of his days. Or does he? "The Irishman" has great acting, wonderful scenes, a marvelous set piece about a road trip in a Lincoln, a compelling story, and an intriguing take. I rate it right up there with "Goodfellas" and "The Godfather."
