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You're reading a really old version of matt-thornton's website. For example, if you're looking at the movie reviews... you'll notice that none of them are of recent films. Indeed, I leave them here for posterity's sake, but I doubt very much that they'll get updated anytime soon. So have a giggle.

You might, if you're lucky, find something recent from Matt at his blog matt's debates. Kernow bys vyken.

The Untouchables

the one line review:

true gangsta flick

the overview

Having watched The Godfather only a few weeks ago, I became a bit disillusioned with these so-called classic gangster films, but with an open mind I watched this. And I was very pleasantly surprised. This is hard-paced, full of action, and neatly captures the essence of 1930's America where people like Al Capone used to run the city.

the plot:

It's Chicago, it's the 1930's, and prohibition (of alcohol) is in force. The illegal alcohol trade is being run by gangster, Al Capone (DeNiro). After one too many violent goings-on, the police department bring in Elliot Ness (Costner), a federal agent to clean the place up. He's new, and inexperienced, and so calls on the help of the old timer with all the experience Malone (Connery), adding the hottest member of the police academy to the team (Garcia). Together (with another fella) they are The Untouchables, and set about exposing Al Capone. Finding inconsistencies in his accounting records, they realise they can send him to prison for millions of dollars worth of income tax evasion, and all they need is proof. Which is not so easy when virtually everyone in the city has been bribed.

the verdict:

It's really enjoyable. It's quite a new film (1987) so I suppose it has a little more Hollywood in it than older gangland films, so maybe that makes it more watchable. Plus, it's about the right length, and doesn't have you bored witless by the end. Costner and Connery put in stellar performances, and DeNiro as the cocky, arrogant and smug Capone is chilling. Especially with a baseball bat in his hand. It's really well made and keeps your attention until the very end, to its ultimate, if a little predictable ending. But if you're after a good gangster film, this is a must-see.