Customer Reviews

Boss of Bosses [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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

I love Chazz P. and I can see why he would want to give the other side of the Castellano epic, but man is this movie boring. Castellano has to be one of the most uninvolved mobsters ever to take the reins of a crime family. If you know the history of this guy, than you should agree, and if you don't, read some books about him. As powerful as he was, he sure didn't know much about running a crime family as did his predecessors, which this film doesn't portray. The film also has terrible actors portraying both Sammy the Bull and John Gotti. An insult at that. If you like mafia movies and don't care about the history of its real-life characters than by all means watch it. If you do, skip it, you'd be better off reading a book.

THIS MOVIE IS BASED ON THE TRUE STORY OF THE GAMBINO FAMILY. ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUSE MAFIA FAMILIES OF ALL TIME. JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING IN THE MOVIE IS TRUE, IT REALY HAPPEND. HOW PAUL CASTILLANO BECAME HEAD BOSS, AND HOW JOHN GOTTI SHOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BUT GOT A FREE PASS TO LIVE. THEY EVEN TALK ABOUT THE WHOLE DONNIE BRASCO THING. IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE TRUTH THIS MOVIE IS FOR YOU. CHAZZ PLAYS PAUL CASTILLANO, HE DOES AN EXCELLENT JOB.

Chazz Palmintari is one of my favorite actors and he's good as Big Paul Castellano. The movie has a great story. Great mafia film. Worth the buy.

this is absolutely the best mafia-boss movie i`v seen " A powerful dive into a mobster`s soul. Great acting & directing"
A Absolute must have fore enyone who is a mobster-movier fan

This is in my top 10 best mob movies the acting was great. And the best part is that Chazz Palminteri look pretty much like. Paul Castellano in this movie this movie is also based on a true story which makes it even more great to watch.

Never saw this movie before so I took a chance purchasing it online. Really enjoyed the Movie. No scrathes on the dvd, case was in perfect condition. I bought it used and it was like brand new.
I can honestly say I would buy from the seller again in the future.

Anyone who has seen "Gotti" should also see "Boss of Bosses" (or read the novels). The movie is well done, considering its era of production, budget, etc. Paul Castellano, as well as most of the other characters, are quite believable and the movie serves well as entertainment or Mafia education material. In many ways, Castellano was the *last true don* of the Gambino Family.