The stage curtains open ...
In the early 90's, I was on the Christian Slater bandwagon, when he was at the height of his popularity. I loved all the movies he was in during those years, having been mostly influenced by his turn as the pirate radio DJ in "Pump Up The Volume". During those years, he could do no wrong, and this film, "Mobsters", was one of those exceptions.
It is the story of four young kids who grew up on the streets together becoming one of the most recognized and feared organized crime organizations in history. Slater plays the part of "Lucky" Luciano, the strongest of the four and the leader. They take it upon themselves to eliminate the current bosses to establish their own commission, uniting the remaining families to maximize control and profits - a move they felt was necessary for survival heading into a new age. We find out how he got the nickname, "Lucky", and what he and his friends had to endure as they became mobster legends.
Back when this film came out, I loved it. These actors were my age, and as I mentioned, I was a big Slater fan. In retrospect though, and in a recent re-watch of this movie, it is clear to me some of its flaws. There is a lot of posturing here, the acting is pretty shallow. It is obvious that the filmmakers were taking advantage of Christian Slater's fame and showcasing him, rather than making a movie of substance. Even so, Slater seems to be invested in his role and tries to make it work.
I still like this movie, maybe more for sentimental value than for its actual value. And as I watched it again all these years later, I was still smiling and having a good time. It doesn't rate up there with the much better mobster/gangster films out there, but I would still recommend it. I give it a solid 7 stars out of 10. No regrets here - a guilty pleasure worth having.
In the early 90's, I was on the Christian Slater bandwagon, when he was at the height of his popularity. I loved all the movies he was in during those years, having been mostly influenced by his turn as the pirate radio DJ in "Pump Up The Volume". During those years, he could do no wrong, and this film, "Mobsters", was one of those exceptions.
It is the story of four young kids who grew up on the streets together becoming one of the most recognized and feared organized crime organizations in history. Slater plays the part of "Lucky" Luciano, the strongest of the four and the leader. They take it upon themselves to eliminate the current bosses to establish their own commission, uniting the remaining families to maximize control and profits - a move they felt was necessary for survival heading into a new age. We find out how he got the nickname, "Lucky", and what he and his friends had to endure as they became mobster legends.
Back when this film came out, I loved it. These actors were my age, and as I mentioned, I was a big Slater fan. In retrospect though, and in a recent re-watch of this movie, it is clear to me some of its flaws. There is a lot of posturing here, the acting is pretty shallow. It is obvious that the filmmakers were taking advantage of Christian Slater's fame and showcasing him, rather than making a movie of substance. Even so, Slater seems to be invested in his role and tries to make it work.
I still like this movie, maybe more for sentimental value than for its actual value. And as I watched it again all these years later, I was still smiling and having a good time. It doesn't rate up there with the much better mobster/gangster films out there, but I would still recommend it. I give it a solid 7 stars out of 10. No regrets here - a guilty pleasure worth having.