I spend a lot of time being critical of the older versions of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. They are icons and when I was growing up they were considered two of the greatest actors of my mother’s generation. Lately, though, it seems like they spend more time chewing scenery than acting (Pacino more so than De Niro) but how could I give up watching the first movie where the two had significant screen time together?
I didn’t hate this movie the way many of the reviewers seemed to (hell, Pacino was nominated for a Razzie award for his performance in this film). I found it entertaining and De Niro and Pacino didn’t annoy me. Truthfully, they kind of mailed in their performances, but they were still good. The thing is, I didn’t feel like I watched an expensive, blockbuster film with two fabulous actors. I felt like I was watching a 100 minute version of Law and Order without the court scenes. It wasn’t poorly acted or poorly written but it wasn’t big screen, De Niro and Pacino caliber. I enjoyed the storyline and the actors and it amused me for 100 minutes. I guess I’m just happy I didn’t pay movie theater prices to see it.