33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A New Perspective, January 12, 2002
This review is from: Boss of Bosses (DVD)
I'm a great fan of Chazz Palminteri, which is why I orignally purchased this DVD. And, I have to say, that his acting was, as always, terrific. As a movie, this was enjoyable. The writing was not great and the plot really didn't move you, but, for some reason, the movie was digestable.
This plot follows the rise and fall of one-time Gambino family boss Paul Castellano. Obviously, this movie was made to offset the negative press that the late-Castellano has received over the years through the volumes of books, movies, and articles written about John Gotti. In fact, movies like 'Gotti' paint an entirely different picture than this one. So much so that if you watch both movies side-by-side (as I did), you feel as though you are watching two entirely different stories. In reality, the movies cover different time periods. But, those areas that do overlap are told from two entirely different perspectives. Example: The movie 'Gotti' paints Paul Castellano as an overweight, unintelligent, mean-spirited man who had not paid his dues and, consequently, did not deserve his position at all. 'Boss Of Bosses' paints Castellano as a well-spoken, well-groomed, intelligent business man who had risen legitimately through the ranks with his close friend Carlo Gambino.
Which version is accurate? I can't say that I know. What I do know is that the 'Gotti' version of Paul Castellano is the one that I had come to believe before I watched this DVD. Now, I'm not sure.
Watch this DVD and judge for yourself. If nothing else, you'll be entertained for 90 minutes or so by a fantastic leading actor.
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23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not to be missed., February 8, 2006
This review is from: Boss of Bosses (DVD)
This movie is based on a true story of Paul Castellano, who ruled the Manhattan in 1970s with construction unions and real estates funded by the money he earned from the illegal activities of the Gambino crime family. After becoming the head of the crime family, his resistance to involve in drugs and crimes made many people down the chain unhappy. John Gotti was one of them, who later assassinate Castellano and rose to power.
The movie is considered dull and slow, but I don't agree. If you are looking for some "Steven Seagal" kind of action, then just forget it. If you have liked Godfather, Scarface, and Gotti, then you definitely won't mind adding this to your collection too. Chazz Palminteri, just played the role of head of crime family brilliantly. His dialogue delivery is perfect for this kind of movie and role. The movie is real and has some powerful moments. Not to be missed.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
BOSS OF BOSSES IS BOSS, August 23, 2007
This review is from: Boss of Bosses (DVD)
The restraint with which Chazz Palminteri plays his character, amidst all of the orchestrated insanity that accompanies violent crime, is incredible. Couple this with marvelous cinematography, and a terrific music score, and you have a winner of a film. The casting is flawless.
See it.
TONY HOROWITZ
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