Casino Review

A slick and stylish film, Casino is a thriller with a massive story that goes way beyond its key players. It explains how the mafia lost control of a city that was minting money by the billions. It also reveals how huge gambling corporations took over and reinvented Vegas.

The movie is not perfect, but it’s a classic that features a great performance from De Niro and a compelling character in Sharon Stone as Ginger McKenna. Her feisty personality personifies Vegas and she knows the ins and outs, who to pay off and how to win. She and Sam make a good team until their respective issues with their families force them apart.

Unlike other movies that simply show the glitz of Las Vegas, Casino reveals how casinos trick you into losing your hard-earned money. Bright lights flash and music blares, making you want to stop and try your luck at the roulette wheel or slots. Curving paths and strategically placed gaming sections are designed to get your attention as you walk through the building. Bathrooms are located far away, forcing you to walk past many more opportunities to gamble.

The story itself is more active than most mob films, giving the characters a stronger sense of tragedy when they meet their downfall. Also, unlike Goodfellas, the events of Casino feel like they happen because of specific choices, as opposed to just by chance. That gives the characters more agency and makes it harder to distance yourself from their decisions.