Apple TV+’s new trailer is Mr. Scorsese, a documentary/biography about legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese.
Featuring the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Daniel Day-Lewis, Robert De Niro, Steven Spielberg, Cate Blanchett, Sharon Stone, Jodie Foster and more, Mr. Scorsese is a five-part mini-series that somehow feels like an early and personal Christmas present to yours truly.
‘Sign me up for at least 5 hours of this, please!‘
For a documentary about a person who’s exceptional at putting movies together, this trailer had to be good, and I feel that it is. In fact, the pacing and editing had me thinking of the great artwork in The Irishman (2019) teaser trailer.
I look forward to hearing more from Mr. Scorsese and everything those who know and love him most have to say.
Are you also looking forward to this one? I hear Scorsese has a great cameo in Seth Rogen’s The Studio (2025).
The Alto knights (2025), Robert De Niro, Warner Bros. Pictures
Directed by Barry Levinson, The Alto Knights is a new biography/crime/drama starring Robert De Niro, Cosmo Jarvis and Debra Messing.
Levinson’s story focuses on Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, a pair of Italian Americans who run two separate crime families in the mid-20th century, and specifically, one’s attempt to assassinate the other.
It’s always interesting when an actor plays two characters who have to interact with each other face-to-face, isn’t it? The mind boggles at all that has to happen to ensure it all looks natural.
This is precisely the kind of movie that should come with a good long look behind the scenes. Also, it’s the great Robert De Niro who always impresses. Forever a joy for me to watch his skills in action.
Are you also looking forward to Alto Knights?
Kathrine Narducci, Matt Servitto, Louis Mustillo, Robert Arce, Wallace Langham, Carrie Lazar, Belmont Cameli, Joseph Moreland and Bob Glouberman also star.
The Comeback Trail (2020): Robert De Niro, Zach Braff
Directed and co-written by George Gallo; The Comback Trail is the latest action/comedy starring Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jone and Zach Braff.
De Niro is one of two movie producers who owe money to the mob. So, to save themselves, they set up their ageing movie star (Jones) for an insurance scam. Only all does not go according to plan…
The humour and great cast are my reason. Looks like it’s going to be fun watching De Niro, Jones and Freeman share the screen.
Patrick Muldoon, Michelle Maylene, Malcolm Barrett, Eddie Griffin, Natalie Burn, Vincent Spano, Nick Vallelonga and Leslie Stratton also star.
Joker (2019), Joaquin Phoenix, Warner Bros. Pictures
I’ve liked Joaquin Phoenix ever since his brilliant performance in Ridley Scott’s much loved Gladiator (2000). I therefore had no doubt he’d deliver a truly memorable performance as Joker, Gotham City’s most iconic villain.
Watching Aurthur Fleck’s (Phoenix) journey from social outcast to psychopathic murderer is a viewing experience I enjoyed for more than just Phoenix’s brilliant physical and emotional performance. Before Joker, I don’t think I’d truly paid attention to the lyrics of Frank Sinatra’s That’s Life. The clever use of this song, the film’s musical score and soundtrack are other key highlights.
Joker (2020), Joaquin Phoenix, Warner Bros. Pictures
Joker is undeniably a good film. Yet, for me personally, there is something about it that meant I found myself not particularly overly enthusiastic post-viewing. One might even say that Joker is quite depressing because it’s almost ‘too real,’ when compared with what’s been happening in the US. Another reason it seemed something of a downer is the film’s heavy focus on people who are, to put it lightly, ‘unpleasant’. I of course understand director Todd Phillip’s reasons, considering the nature of the story being told. Yet, it’s never easy for me when the protagonist is also an anti-hero of the most insane and murderous kind, particularly when there’s no humour involved.
Overall, what I like most about Phillip’s film is how well-mapped Joker’s journey from victim to anti-hero is. From powerless to fully empowered and in control. From ‘How much more can he take?’ ‘Where can he go from here?’ to ‘There it is’. ‘The camel’s back has completely snapped and there’s no going back’
Lastly, I can’t deny that my colour loving self rather enjoyed the red suit, yellow vest, plus green shirt and hair look. Especially while Joker was on those famous stairs.
You’ve probably already seen it. But if not, do it for Phoenix’s performance and all else that’s good.
I was never going to forego watching celebrated director Martin Scorsese’s latest, The Irishman; even with the arguably ‘offensive’ three and a half hour runtime.
Starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel and centred around a mob hitman’s recollection of his possible involvement in the killing of American Labour Union leader Jimmy Hoffa in 1975, the dialogue, style and great performances are all reasons why The Irishman is memorable.
As De Niro’s Frank Sheeran (the Irishman), who’s now living in a retirement home, recalls his story, there’s a high volume of information shared; some of which you’ll likely soon forget, in part because of the pace of events. Nevertheless, the story, acting and editing still managed to keep me engaged. And just before the one hour, thirty minutes point, that’s when things get especially interesting. It’s when all the great performances start to reveal themselves fully.
The Irishman (2019), Robert De Niro, Netflix
Pacino as the incredibly stubborn Hoffa and Stephen Graham as the equally stubborn Tony Pro are two of my favourites, and their scenes together are among the very best. However, the most memorable performance and my overall favourite thing about The Irishman is De Niro’s turn as Frank. I particularly appreciated the moments Frank didn’t have to speak for the audience to grasp a fair amount of the depth of his experience. So impactful were these quiet moments that I can’t hide my disappointment when I learned that De Niro didn’t get an acting Academy Award nomination.
I like how Scorsese’s film provides a kind of ‘inside look’ at the life of a mob hitman. The daily realities, the impact on family and the weight of loyalty. Still, a part of me wonders how different The Irishman would be had Scorsese taken the mini-series or multiple part feature film route instead of squeezing so much into one feature. I wonder.
The Irishman is a film to watch for the great filmmaking team and for a handful of truly memorable, high-tension and often humorous scenes that will remind you of just why Scorsese is so highly celebrated. Just make sure you’re fully rested, though, plus ready to watch and truly listen before committing to the hefty run-time.
The Movie My Life 