leethomas-11621
Difficult to enjoy a movie in which the "hero " is a vicious killer whose dream is achieved by murder, corruption and the devastating effects of gambling addiction. SPOILER: The terrible outcome of such methods is shown as not the result of justice but ultimately blind love. But it's a true story so that's life! Otherwise, a well-produced movie.
Jacob Rosen
A bid for "Godfather"-like immortality, "Bugsy" is an overly melodramatic mess that lurches from episode to episode featuring uncharacteristic overacting from both Warren Beatty and Annette Bening. One would hope a sensitive director would highlight the emotional hot spots from hopeless romantic James Toback's screenplay but Barry Levinson approaches this project with a dismaying literalness that makes certain sections utterly embarrassing (particularly the scenes focusing on Elliott Gould's half-wit, which seem directly lifted from Steinbeck). Without a sense of irony (something "The Godfather" had in spades), even the sets seem little more than phony representations of a bygone era.
LaelPrayTell
I always had a fascination with gangster movies and I heard about Lucky, Meyer, and Bugsy being the foundation for the mafia that grew to Olympian status. The mood was set right from the beginning of the movie with who and what this movie would be about. In the background during the credits you hear conversations about clothing, style and compliments then you hear a woman and Ben... Enough said! The wardrobes where amazing and to the T with the times. I just loved Harvel Keitel as Mickey Cohen, wow, his attitude and his demeanor was perfect! I really loved this movie and I quote it when I can. For those that like or love gangster movies this is a must see to know about the foundation of organized crime.
edwagreen
This film certainly was far better than the quirky "Silence of the Lambs," and should have won the coveted Oscar for best film of 1991.Warren Beatty was never better. It was as if he were further allowed to explode from his Clyde Barrow of "Bonnie and Clyde" fame. What marvelous chemistry between him and Annette Bening as Virginia Hill. The two play off each other so well in their love-hate relationship.Bening is an object throwing person whose greed ultimately caused Siegel's downfall. Beatty, as Benny Siegel, is in top form. In some of the scenes, I am reminded of James Cagney's performance in "Love Me or Leave Me." He can be a romantic lover, devoted father, and murderer with batting an eye, all at the same time.Both Harvey Keitel (Mickey Cohen) and Ben Kingsley as Meyer Lansky received best supporting actor nominations.
AD
