MobstersThe worst part about being a young gangster is that no one takes your ice pick serious until it's too late.Luckily, the nextgen in this action movie have brains and bullets.When a fresh-faced Lucky Luciano (Christian Slater) meets youthful Meyer Lansky (Patrick Dempsey) the two, along with Bugsy Siegel (Richard Grieco) and Frank Costello (Costas Mandylor), make a name for themselves in the bootlegging racket.Over time, the gangster squad seizes control of NYC from the old bosses and divides it between the five main families.But can this new crime regime keep from crumbling under its own infighting?Overly violent and under acted, this loose interpretation of the upper echelon of the underworld's top brass fails to live up to its lofty ambitions.Incidentally, this film reinforces that the only way to get ahead in this world is to mow the older generation down with Tommy guns.Red Lightvidiotreviews.blogspot.com

Christian Slater stars as Lucky Luciano, a prominent mob figure in the Prohibition Era who rose to power early on as a member of a group of four who did things their own way, and whenever they felt the need to get it done.This film was produced in a way that made Lucky and his friends, including Meyer Lansky (played by Patrick Dempsey) and Bugsy Siegal (Richard Grieco), look like products of their environments. Slater's father was roused by one of the local Dons in his house right in front of his family, along with his mother getting a little "attention" as well. The event stayed with Slater's character throughout his life as he set the old man up for retribution. Although based on actual events, I feel this movie fails in one area in that it glamorizes the era. Prohibition meant no booze and that's where this group first got their start, in supplying illegal liquor to these nightclubs.Although a fan of both lead actors and liking the chemistry between the two, this movie did have its own shortcomings, and I found myself wondering when the movie would be over. It was somewhat disappointing to me, considering I've waited over seventeen years to see this film.5 out of 10 stars!

I give this film a six, because it ended feeling enjoyable, so I consider it is at least a above a 5. To be honest, I watched the film because I normally enjoy movies with Slater in them. He has his moments.The problem with this movie is that it tries to fit WAY to much into it's time frame. Several of the better mob films end up being lengthy, because it is needed to effectively show a rise to power, shifting loyalties, and the other involved drama. However, in this movie, Lucky raises to considerable power and age within 15 minutes. It was hard to find the characters compelling or feel any bond between them. I suggest doing busywork or some light solitaire during this phase of the movie, just listen to the dialogue and look at the screen once in a while so you don't lose your place. Really not much to see.HOWEVER, after the first half, it does pick up a lot. Not only does the film become more violent and action oriented, but it slows down and allows the viewer to feel the tension and forms an enjoyable style. It turns into a good movie in the end. Is it a Godfather? No. Goodfellas? No. Casino...you get the idea. The point is, if you have already watched the existing mob films, and are a fan of Slater (or the relative cast). Feel free to hate or love this film. Either way, I'm keeping it on my shelf, and I will dust it off on occasion.

The movie tells the early story of Lucky Luciano until his final admittance in the Mafia organization. It's not so bad to watch, but lacks quality... many fire battles are resolved as in the worst action movies: too many times we see people avoiding the huge firepower of a Thompson just running with head low. It's one of that movies where enemies can't fire, while the protagonist and his friends never fail a shot. More: the story of Lucky Luciano is depicted as children story, with incongruence and simplifications, the characters are fully bi dimensional. If you're not great fans of Mob stories (as I am) you should watch something different, like ...mmm... The Godfather???