Casino (Movie Review)
While there are plenty of other films that focus on organized crime and its ties to the city, Casino takes things to a whole different level. It is an epic history lesson about Las Vegas that lays bare its past connection to mafia-based crime and how huge gambling corporations eventually took over the desert town. It also shows us how Vegas continues to reinvent itself, with each new hotel and casino offering a unique spin on the traditional gambling experience.
Like other Scorsese films, Casino is filled with little touches that make it feel authentic. For example, the use of music is always spot on and the film’s sound design is incredibly effective. In addition, the film has a lot of fast cuts which give it a documentary-like feel. The film also features a lot of narration, but it gradually fades into the background as the story moves on.
The movie is also a fascinating look at the inner workings of casinos. Unlike other businesses that thrive on the popularity of their products or services, casinos rely on mathematics to make money. The more you play, the more likely you are to lose money. The odds for each game are stacked in the house’s favor, which means that even if you win, it won’t be by much.
If you want to avoid losing your money, it’s important to choose a casino with low wagering requirements. These requirements dictate how many times you have to bet the value of your bonus before you can withdraw it. In addition, it’s best to choose a casino with 24/7 customer support so you can get assistance at any time of the day or night.
As always, Robert De Niro is at the top of his game as Sam “Ace” Rothstein. He brings a depth and truth to the role that no one else could. Joe Pesci also does an excellent job, but the movie really belongs to Sharon Stone, who steals the picture as a trophy wife who can’t help herself.
While the plot is compelling, it’s not completely believable. For example, it’s hard to believe that a mobster would steal 25 percent of the slots’ take and then convert it into bills that could be stuffed into his weekly suitcase for delivery to the Midwest mafia in Kansas City.
However, these flaws do not diminish the movie’s overall quality. It’s an entertaining and informative drama that reveals the darker side of a famously glamorous city. It is an epic crime story that focuses on three main characters and also shows how the mafia lost control of a city that once made them mint billions. It’s a classic of its kind, and definitely worth watching.