Carlito's Way [DVD] [1994]

Director Brian DePalma returns with this 1993 adaptation of the novel 'After Hours' by judge and author Edwin Torres. Here DePalma alternates his filmic style more to the side of 'Mission Impossible' and 'The Untouchables' rather than his usual Hitchcock homages ala 'Body Double' and 'Blow Out' to deliver (for me anyway) his finest film.The story has Al Pacino (never better) playing Puerto Rican ex-con Carlito Brigante trying desperately to go straight and make a new life for himself and his dancer girlfriend (played by the excellent Penelope Ann Miller). Obviously, it all takes a turn for the worse when Carlito's attorney friend (played by an unrecognisable Sean Penn) is destined to take not only himself, but Carlito down with him. The film itself is beautifully acted, exceptionally well written (each character is well developed and fully rounded) and the direction by DePalma is his sharpest yet. His roaming camera and stylish lighting give the city scenes life and the bars and club that glitzy and low life appeal in equal measure. Al Pacino is perfect in the role and gives the film an exceptional emotional core - so to does Sean Penn, who is the epitome of sleaze and his look for the character is spot on. The romance between Pacino and Miller is well handled, not too slushy or slowing the story down - and like each plot point in the film, it is expertly handled and played out well.All in all, one of DePalma's finest films and (for me) more satisfying than their previous collaboration 'Scarface' - although, that is excellent as well. Universals' disc has a sharp transfer and a short making of documentary, but the film itself is well worth the price of the disc alone. Recommended.

Best movie ever made...

A great tale of a respected gangster trying to reform but constantly being pulled back into his former life. Loses a star for the "Key Stone Cops" chase ending.

Excellent performances. A decent plot. Well filmed. I can't really fault this film except it was a bit clunky, a little bit unwieldy, and this De Palma / Pacino film didn't really flow naturally in the way Scorsese / De Niro films flow seamlessly and then hit you with their turbulence before flowing forward again. Obviously, preparing any film with the masters is not going to do very my films any favours but I suppose that is the standard to aim for and this film doesn't quite get there but, especially with its latin dance and disco soundtrack, some great scenes and Sean Penn's supporting role as grotesque, snivelling and weaselly lawyer doesn't fail by much.

This film seems to be overshadowed by other Pacino gangster masterpieces, but rest assured it's on a par with the others.Al is absolutely majestic as Carlito, the ex-con who tries to make a normal life for himself after being released early from a 30-stretch. Unfortunately for him, the lawyer friend who got him out is a gangster-wannabee who attracts trouble and Carlito just can't help getting involved.Despite being a gangster film, and directed by De Palma at that, there's relatively little violence, although when it comes it tends to be bloody and brutal. The film is mostly about Carlito's struggle to stay straight whilst amassing enough cash to get to a normal job in the Bahamas, but he just can't escape the past and others' expectations of him.It's only natural to root for the guy as he tries to reach his goal, even if there are a few bumps in the road, despite knowing from the start of the film that the odds are against him.The ending in Grand Central Station was tense and exciting and had Hitchcock written all over it.As for the bluray, the picture quality is a definite step up from the dvd, but there's not much happening with the sound, despite the shootings. Still well worth the upgrade, in my opinion.

Work of Art

I am not here to review the film itself, but rather the product. I agree with every other positive comment about the movie itself and have owned this on VHS, DVD and Bluray.I am dropping it one star as I don't really get the feeling that this is an improvement over the DVD I already owned. I watch on a current Sony Bravia 4K TV with sound bar, and on the Sony £1850 projector plus full 7.1 surround. As the disc only costs £4.90 I am not overly fussed and would have bought it anyway, but was hoping for that kick up in quality you often get going from DVD to Bluray. It may be that the DVD was very good or that what I am waiting for is a full remastering and not understanding what I am looking for!!Great film, good value for £4.90 but not much better than the DVD.

This film has it all - love, violence, morality, action, and shows off the talents of Al Pacino and Sean Penn who elevate this film into the classic bracket. To think it was made as recently as 1994 is surprising, as it seems to take its inspiration from the 70s and 80s dramas in the way the narrative takes precedence over commercial branding.The opening scene, with the 360 degree camera, neon lighting, Al Pacino narration, `welcome to paradise sign' and the emotionally charged music of Joe Cocker's `You are so beautiful' is what this film is all about! When it ties it up at the end, it left me in no doubt that I'd just watched a film that packs a punch and is worthy of several re-watches.The poignancy and tragedy of Carlito is there for all to see and Al Pacino nails it. From the courthouse scene where he declares he is `completely rehabilitated, reinvigorated, and reassimilated' to his sense of loyalty to friends and the quixotic realisation that some dreams are out of reach - he is a great `everyman' cinema character. Top stuff.