A Great First

Pinpoint
Jan 29th 12:35

Much of what we appreciate in other Scorsese films is right here, in his first major release. The only thing missing is Pesci. In fact, it is the three Pesci movies (Raging Bull, Goodfellas and Casino) that are essentially the same story retold, and that story is Mean Streets. The neighborhood boys move on from small-time shake downs to the Big Time - a Lufthansa heist, perhaps, or a Vegas casino. With higher stakes come higher tensions. Will friendship and fraternal bonds withstand the violent stress and greed? In comparison, Mean Streets, situated at the beginning of this continuum, is more of a buddy film. The boys are contastly nudging each other playfully in the shoulder. If there is a dispute, it's quickly forgotten over shots at the bar. In the later films, there is always a point where someone says something and you know, as Biggie said, "somebody's gotta die." If you're seeing Mean Streets for the first time and have seen the others, then you just wait and wait and are surprised that no one's getting offed. A genuininely heartwarming romantic side-story is also included. Great performances by all leads. De Niro in a supporting role, as manically droll and freewheelin' as you will ever see. On top of the pool table swinging a busted cue stick is a bona fide movie memory.

My rating of Mean Streets: