This weekend John Travolta stars in crime biopic ‘Gotti,’ directed by Entourage actor turned director Kevin Connolly. The film also stars John’s real-life partner Sarah Paulson. The film reminded us of Hollywood’s love of good vs. evil, or at least its fascination with organized crime figures and their stories.
‘Goodfellas’ leveraged the talents of stars, proving as a criminal, you could never get out on your own terms. It also solidified the marriage between Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese.
‘The Departed,’ starring two distinct generations of actors, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson, became a fan favorite.
‘Godfather’ was a franchise that always was the original and gold standard of organized crime films, demonstrating the love Hollywood seems to have with man’s dark side.
‘Road to Perdition’ allows legendary actors Paul Newman and Tom Hanks to share the screen in a wonderful film.
‘‘On the Waterfront’ with Marlon Brando and Arthur Keegan is a terrific black and white classic of violence and redemption. Robert Redford and Paul Newman’s ‘The Sting’ Al Pacino in ‘Carlito’s Way’ and ‘Scarface,’ Warren Beatty’s ‘Bugsy,’ Gene Hackman’s ‘The French Connection’ ‘Last Man Standing’ with Bruce Willis, and Kevin Costner and Sean Connery in ‘The Untouchables’ were wonderful films that transcended average expectations.
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