Casino (1995) Reaction & Review! FIRST TIME WATCHING!! 

I actually love the way he introduces the characters in his films. As for the length of his films, it is another reason why I love his films. He does not cut corners and he doesn't hand feed the audience. I wish film makers would spend more time developing characters.

I would put this way above The Departed. This is a 9 or 10 for me. As you said, Pesci and Stone are top notch in this.

The blueberry muffin scene never fails to crack me up; tells you everything you need to know about the character.

Martin Scorsese's "Cape Fear" is a must-watch. Robert DeNiro's performance in it is my favorite of his. And Nick Nolte is amazing in it as well. Scorsese's "The Aviator" is phenomenal. DiCaprio is perfect in it. "The Last Temptation of Christ" is wonderful and quite moving, as is Willem Dafoe as Jesus.

Definitely Scorsese's most brutal and violent film. The head in the vise scene and baseball bat beating at the end were shocking to me when I saw it as a kid. Loved your reaction, my friend. Glad to see you're still making awesome videos.

Probably one of my top 10 movies. Very rewatchable too! Love the characters, the acting, the OST's fantastic too!

You’re very perceptive and empathetic. Most people overlook Ginger’s perspective. Maybe you’re right about Sam gaslighting her. While Ginger was honest about not loving him, he lied when he said he could accept that. Then right after he said something about thinking he could change her. The fact that he feels betrayed when she stays who she is seems unreasonable. I can’t help thinking she was better off hustling. The part where she asked if Sam was trying to “handicap” her right before he proposed is prophetic. It doesn’t seem like he really loved her or even cared to get to know her. He just wanted a challenge, couldn’t stand the idea of losing, and thought he could buy her love. There’s a huge difference between cherishing someone appreciating who they are, and being willing to let them go if it’s best for them. Versus desire and ignoring their needs. She’s like a doll in that play Dollhouse. That may be why it was so easy for him to go back to his old life. The only thing he loved truly was hustling. That was his wife. Ginger was just a temporary mistress. They never even show the two hanging out together after they get married except after she kidnaps her daughter. Even the quality time they spent in the 3 months they knew each other, was transactional. From that perspective Sam is a John. In addition to being controlling. Clearly Ginger can be cold as a hustler, but when she loves she does do maybe even beyond reason. Take in mind most people don’t stay in contact with childhood friends the way she did with Lester. Thank you for the interesting perspective. Sorry for the long comment 🙄

A little fun point of interest, the character - Frank Marino - played by Frank “Go Get Your Shine Box” Vincent is, in real life, a man named, Frank Cullotta. Towards the end of the film, when the guy is murdered in the parking lot and the other guy is murdered in a foreign country, the assassin who kills them - “Where you going jag-off?” - is played by the real Frank Cullotta. He has since died, but before he passed he had his own RU-vid channel where you can hear all his stories.

Okay so here's the thing about the Irishman. It's not a bad movie, but it definitely has problems. The movie itself is a celebration of the careers of several fantastic actors whose careers were heavily influenced by the gangster movie genre. And in that regard, more power to the film. Having said that, there's a scene with DeNiro where his physical acting just isn't there anymore. Don't get me wrong, I regard him as one of the greatest actors of all time but he's 79 now. He can't be expected to beat the shit out of some goon in a street fight and have it look anything like it would when he was in his physical prime. The fact that the movie is 4 hours long makes it very difficult to react to on channel. Add in the fact that while I did enjoy it, it is very flawed, and I think your best move is to just watch it in your own time. If you want, the next time you watch a Scorsese film and react to it, mention that you watched it and tell us what you thought.

Fantastic movie. You have a really good line up of movies on the channel coming up. I can't wait for your Ronin reaction.

I highly, highly suggest you just read up on Las Vegas history a bit. Its really fascinating, specifically the period that this movie takes place in, and earlier towards the foundings of what Las Vegas became.

Great reaction as always! Classic film Fun fact - that gambling Japanese businessman is actually Nobu - the famous chef who owns the Nobu restaurants!

3:14 - Pileggi was also author of the book Wiseguys which Scorsese adapted to movie Goodfellas

If you decide to watch The Color Of Money, you should watch The Hustler first. The Color Of Money is a sequel to The Hustler. The Hustler has Paul Newman, George C. Scott, and Jackie Gleason. Really good movie

"...or The Color of Money yet." Actually, it would be fantastic if you'd review "The Hustler" and then "The Color of Money". The evolution of fast Eddie's character, as well as Paul Newman's acting, is well worth a watch.

You are my fav movie reactor on YT. Just great Shan.

The book is pretty fascinating too. You can also find news clips of the real Nicky, Tony "The Ant" Spilotro, on RU-vid. He really did die a horrible, gruesome death along with his brother. Ginger really did die of an OD, too.

The Irishman is really well done. the run time is ridiculous, but the writing, acting and directing make up for it.

Great job Shan. Really enjoyed the watch and your analysis. And I agree about the rewatchability of this particular film. As far as Scorsese movies go, Goodfellas is my clear favourite, and I always thought that Casino was sort of Goodfellas lite or diet Goodfellas. But after watching casino several times now, I do appreciate the story and Scorsese's unique take on a story. Cheers🎬☮️

I would never characterize a film as being "too long" that keeps me entertained. Best. Mike.

Joe Pesci stars with Rodney Dangerfield in Easy Money. Pesci plays Dangerfield's stoner plumber friend, who in true Pesci character is always ready to throw down at the drop of a hat, though in a more comedic, less ruthless way. He is hilarious when they get stoned and he gets the giggles.

Frank Vincent finally gets his revenge in the Vincent/Pesci trilogy (Raging Bull/Goodfellas/Casino).

Pesci's character is based upon Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano, from the Gambino crime family. He was a short guy, but notoriously brutal and absolutely fearless. He eventually confessed to 19 murders, which makes you wonder how many he actually committed.

I used to work at a casino; it was exactly like this movie; everyone watching everyone; it took literally 4 to 6 months to get a permanent gaming license, but you can work with a temporary gaming license

This movie gets overshadowed by Goodfellas but it’s a awesome film with an incredible cast and story.

Great movie!

Yeah, I KNEW you were going to like this film...although, I didn't expect as much laughter from you (which I love to see of course). I watch this film at least once a month and it definitely has re-watchability, which does help with character identification. Although, most of the characters aren't really that significant to have to remember their names. For me, this movie ranks #2 behind The Godfather with Goodfellas coming in third as far as "mob" movies go. I have been living in Vegas for almost 20 years now and didn't really know about the "old" mob style Vegas but I truly enjoy watching this film for the location shots. When doing my Uber gig I frequently point out location shots around town when they are present. Mostly from this film and Ocean's Eleven. GREAT review Shan!!

Basic Instinct could work for the channel. Yes' there are a few spicy scenes, but nothing that couldn't be cut around. And it is a good crime thriller. Fatal Attraction was also a big film in its day that doesn't get much play from reactors, maybe for the same reason, but is a great film.

A Basic Instinct reaction would be great. It has far more to offer than a couple of raunchy scenes! It's a classic.

That scene in the cornfield will haunt me forever but I do like the Departed better. Taxi Drivers my ultimate favourite of Marty’s though. 🤯😱🤔

"The primary characters are based on real people: Sam is inspired by the life of Frank Rosenthal, also known as "Lefty," who ran the Stardust, Fremont, Marina, and Hacienda casinos in Las Vegas for the Chicago Outfit from 1968 until 1981. Nicky and Ginger are based on mob enforcer Anthony Spilotro and former dancer and socialite Geri McGee, respectively."

24:56 "You can go your own Way" (name of the song) by Fleetwood Mac

This film is a masterpiece - one of the greatest movies of all time.

Based off the the Stardust Casino which I'm sure you already know by now. I used to go there all the time in the late 1990's and early 2000's.

23:17 Nicky said the words "So I have your permission?" (to move out there) in the earlier scene, but he was clearly being sarcastic. He knew he didn't need Sam's permission to move to LA, and he was even mocking Sam a little bit like it's a completely ridiculous notion that Sam would have a say either way. That's why in Nicky's mind he never asked permission, he probably didn't think the conversation was important at all and he genuinely doesn't remember it ever taking place. Sam, oh the other hand, has a clear recollection, since he knew the minute Nicky mentioned moving out there that it would mean trouble, and the moment stuck with him.

Love the way Joe Pesci is narrating and when his character gets hit in the back with the baseball bat, as the narrator, he shouts: "Aahhhggh!"

The Cowboy hick that Ace fires is b-film critic Joe Bob Briggs. Not only was he a popular critic, host on Cinemax but he is an authority on Vegas. Scorsese is a fan of his.

Stone did a sequel to Basic instinct with The Governor himself-David Morrisey.

I actually like Casino the most of Scorcese's work. It's just so entertaining to watch. Absolutely react to basic instinct. You'll love it

Yeah, stuff like that happened. When I lived in LV I met some old school guys that scared me to death. There are still skeletons in shallow graves in the desert.

There’s another film where Joe Pesci wants to fight people. It’s in a Comedy with him and Rodney Dangerfield starring. It’s called Easy Money. You’ll love it.

This one is way better than The Departed - not that that's a bad movie. But this is peak Scorsese work.

My favorite Scorsese film, Bringing Out the Dead,is a very dark look at the week in the life of a EMT starring Nicolas Cage.

‘Back Home’ = Chicago Heights IL… The film actually sticks pretty darn close to actual events! Frank (Franky in the film) was NOT present when the Spilotro brothers were beaten & buried; he was already in the WitPro program bc Tony (Nicky in the film) had put a hit out on him; Frank simply knew too much. It bothered Frank all the days of his life tho how they buried them still alive. All of the crazy stuff, a life lived hard, Witness Protection, etc… and it was complications from a ‘certain virus’ that got him in the end😔 Scorsese brought Frank in to consult on both Goodfellas & Casino both. I used to wonder how he even found Frank- bc he was in WitPro. Then Jersey Boys the film (not the play) outed Pesci & his legit ties to this underworld. I still can’t believe Frank did the cameos he did in ‘Casino’. Very risky at the time. To that, the hitman in the end offing everyone- that’s ‘Franky’ IRL. I’ll leave it there for now; I’ve learned it can freak some folks out lol One more- Frank once told me to always start my car w my door open; if there’s a b0mb, you’ll get blown out & away- so there’s that lol Once you’ve heard that, you’ll never forget it 😬🤪 Personally wasn’t big on The Irishman… Wonderful reaction! Thank you & SUBSCRIBED😊 Stay safe & love much💖

Sharon Stone's 1995 Western _The Quick & The Dead_ is 💯 worth watching on the channel. Directed by Sam Raimi, also starring Gene Hackman, Leo, & Russell Crowe (both pre-fame).

Shan, have you seen Hugo? It's maybe my 2nd or 3rd favorite Scorcese film. It's amazing, Scorcese decides he wants to make a movie that his grandchildren can see while they are still children and he knocks it out of the park. He is great with Goodfellas, Casino, Wolf of Wallstreet but then he turns around to make a family friendly movie and he does that great too! Cape Fear is definitely worth watching! The Aviator is good but I think between The Aviator and The Irishman those suffer the most from the issue in Scorcese's films you mentioned... being too long that it drags a bit. My top 5 favorite Scorcese movies: 1. Goodfellas 2. The Wolf Of Wallstreet 3. Hugo 4. Casino 5. The Departed Best Regards!

Yes, "Goodfellas" is the more famous movie, partially due to being the earlier yet similar film. Having said that, this is still a great film, much better than the "Departed". I suggest watching "Cape Fear", where Deniro plays a true villain.

I like this better than The Departed because this one is loosely based on a true story like Goodfellas and was written by the same guy ( Nick Pileggi) who actually hung out with the real life mobsters for research. The Departed could also be loosely based on Whitey Bulgler, but it was a re-make of a Hong Kong movie called Infernal Affairs.

State of Grace (1990) is an awesome mob movie.

My grandfather took me to see that in the theaters when I was little that's a good one

The Irishman has some of the best actors you’ll ever see. The channel History Buffs gives a good overview of this film.

Not to long for me, I enjoy the length and the in-depth character/relationships analysis. The characters are so strong, I relish all the time spent, and it gives the conclusion so much more weight.

Most of what was shown in the film was real. Lefty retired to Florida where he ran a horse racing website which I saw and he had his own videos on handicapping the ponies, he passed from natural causes in 2008.

"Basic Instinct" is a must-see for cinema buffs! It's not "inappropriate", it just has a shadowed scene where she uncrosses her legs. Is literally a flash & you can't really see anything, it was just considered risqué 30 yrs ago, friend! See ya! ✌🌎❤

For more excellent crime movies watch Kubrick's 'The Killing' (1956) or 'Sonatine' (1993)

24:56 "You can go your own way - Fleetwood Mac"

I did get to talk to Lefty once.

You asked about this versus "The Departed" - this movie, every time. My nickname for the other movie is "The Great Flip-Phone Epic". It was like Marty discovered cell phones, and by god and sonny jesus, everyone was gonna know about. I appreciated the character development here more. And the plot in "Casino" wasn't as convoluted as the plot for "The Departed".

The "system" of bosses collecting money works until someone gets greedy and starts skimming. The frequency of hits was fuelled by boss paranoia.

The Tangiers isn’t a real casino. It was based on the Stardust Casino. The Chicago Mob controlled 4-6 casinos back in the 70’s when Sam Rothstien,which is based on Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal ,ran for the Mob.

Nick P also wrote the book Wise Guys that Goodfellas is based on.

You should check out Donnie Brasco Shan. IMO it's both Johnny Depp and Al Pacino's best performances. I like it better than the more typical mob movies like Goodfellas and Casino.

Fantastic video, Shan. I loved your reaction to Sharon Stone's work throughout. She's a force of nature and 1995 was a career peak for her, with her Academy Award nomination for this role and _The Quick and the Dead_ which she pushed all her poker chips onto the table to get produced.

Definitely see The Irishman. Quite a few iconic scenes, gorgeous cinematography, and strangely rich with emotion. Pesci is very different in it from his usual characters. The Departed is great but kind of a different tone for Scorsese, since it's a US remake of a Hong Kong movie rather than being totally original. Very fun though.

Raging Bull is another great film with Pesci beating people. Think that's the only other one.

What do I prefer, you ask, Casino or Departed? Casino! It's not even close! The Departed is second shelf Scorsese. Casino is not as great as Goodfellas, but it's still very good and it's part of a lineage of Scorsese films that culminates in The Irishman! You're NOW ready to see The Irishman......Actually no! You have to see Mean Streets! The movie that put Scorsese, De Niro AND Harvey Keitel on the map. Assuming you've seen the two Godfathers, and also Donnie Brasco (with Pacino and Johnny Depp), THEN you're ready to see The Irishman. You watch that after you've seen all the rest! Joe Pesci is FANTASTIC in The Irishman, by the way. Absolutely fantastic performance. Very different!

9:59 Tell him to go home and get his shine-box 🤣🤣🤣🤣

The song you were trying to name was "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac...

Once apon a Time in America is also worth a watch.

So happy you finally got to check this out, man. For me this is Scorsese at his best. In response to some of your complaints, he's always been a very visual filmmaker, meaning he's at his best when adding his own flare to an existing story (Goodfellas, Casino, Cape Fear, The Wolf of Wall Street and The Departed all come to mind). And, if I'm being brutally honest, I've never gotten the sense from any of his films that there was an overabundance of love and attention to a solid, cohesive story (or if there was, it wouldn't be half as interesting without all the clever camera work). And he does like to keep you on your toes a bit when it comes to what you're supposed to be paying attention to, which I agree can get a little annoying (not, for example, the perfect ratio of terror to comedy that Terry Gilliam somehow always pulls off). In other words, no more characters than your typical sprawling epic, but no real indication of how important each one is to the story when we first meet them. That being said, I personally feel the chaotic, disjointed quality worked a lot better here than it did in Goodfellas. What I really love about this film is the juxtaposition between the overall tone and the actual sequence of events. On paper it should be incredibly grounded, almost like true crime, but something about all the materialism and depravity makes it feel almost like noir, or even elevated horror. There's something very "empty" about this film to me. And what impressed me the most was when I really started analyzing it, the camerawork is responsible for a LOT of that, which made it very difficult to dismiss as unintentional. It's almost like he's telling us in multiple, interwoven layers; the more you have the less it's worth. Absolutely f*cking brilliant. Movies don't get much better for my money.

Basic Instinct is an absolute classic, you gotta watch it. Just blur out the inappropriate details.

You saved my afternoon :D

Look at this cast - Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, Bobby D, the Smothers brothers, Joe Bob Briggs, Don Rickles, Oscar Goldman playing himself…. & Kevin Pollack, who won the life lottery and was in Usual Suspects, Few Good Men, Willow, AND Casino?!!

Carlitos way is my favorite Al Pacino movie ever Mob movie Epic Brian De.palma Came out in 1993 Also stars Sean Penn

Here's an unpopular opinion on RU-vid: After Hours is one of Scorsese's best films, and you need to react to it!

You should watch After Hours. It’s definitely an under appreciated Scorsese film.

The song you like but couldn't name is GO YOUR OWN WAY by Fleetwood Mac

I recommend Eyes Wide Shut, Contact and Cast Away. for review

Ace is based on Frank Lefty Rosenthal, and he has a few clips of his TV show on YT.

Awesome movie. Scorsese is definitely in my top 3 favorite film makers. Preceded only by Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith. Please watch Clerks which Smith was able to make for a mere $27K and launch his career.

I love your review. You’re very educated in filmmaking which is cool and I love that you love the same movies. It’s hard to say whether I like this film or goodfellas more. They’re both so great. Thanks for the reaction.

My favorite Scorsese movies: 1. Casino 2. The Wolf of Wall street 3. Shutter Island

You are going to love the Tales from the Crypt Season 4 Episode 11 "Split Personality".

I remember seeing this at the cinema in 1996. Since then, I've watched it several times. I think, in and of itself, it's a very good film but it feels too much of a retread of the basic narrative shape of Goodfellas. Thanks for your review.

This is actually my favorite Scorsese movie, I must have watched it 10 - 15 times over the years. o.O

Basic Instict is fine for the channel. Not more (or less) explicit than Casino

Nicky never really *asked* Sam if he could come to Vegas. He asks "So what would you think of me coming out here?" or something very very similar. Not so much directly asking for his permission, but rather how he would feel about it. Not that Nicky really even had to ask, because he's a made guy, meaning technically he doesn't have to ask Sam's 'permission' to do anything.

9:32 Funny you should mention it...The Last Supper from 1995 is actually a pretty good forgotten movie. The Departed is good but let's be honest, it's not even in the same league.

I watched this movie on TNT, and the scene where Sharon Stone loses her cool during a drug binge, they dubbed it "Freak you! Freak you, freak you, freak you!" It's now an inside joke with my family, constantly yelling "freak you!" at each other.

No, The Tangiers was not a real Vegas casino name. It sure sounds like it is tho, it was an excellent choice. Deniro is playing a character inspired by Frank Rosenthal, who ran The Stardust for years. The Stardust was an icon, I got to visit it several times 20yrs ago, in it's final days. At the time, it still had a major sports book!

26:23 I've known a lot chicks in my day that were looking for a new "sponsor", so kudos to her for being honest about it. 🤣🤣🤣

Shan, I subscribed and binge watch your reactions from time to time. hope you come back soon. and Casino makes me think of James Woods. If you want a fun Woods film, please watch The Hard Way with him and J. Fox. so much fun. Love to see that reaction, if you haven't already seen.

8 heads in a duffel bag A comedic Joe Pesci tough guy.

Nicky is based on Tony the ant Spiloto, it's an uncanny resemblance actually.

I don't know if Basic Instinct is a "Must React" but if you are into Thriller's it's a definite Must watch. The Movie gets unfairly reduced on the legendary leg scene but the Plot is cool, stays suspensfull troughout, the acting the Dialogue and the Characters are all great. And the whole Film is visually stunning. If I would have to suggest a movuie according to what I think you're into it would be Backdraft, because it's difficult to find a movie that contains as much practical Fire and Explosions as that one. I still hope one Day to see you watching Black Rain and Last Boyscout. They are not as famous as the other Classsic Actioners but i would rate them around the Level of the first Lethal Weapon...just with way more Budget and Scope.

back in middle school when it was in theaters basic instinct was discussed in hushed tones because of That Scene, but finally seeing it as an adult there's not much in there that's any more explicit than the average erotic thriller of the era. (kids are exposed to infinitely more hardcore stuff probably even earlier with the internet.) it is directed by verhoever however, so it's definitely uber-sleazy and pretty well made.

This is like Goodfellas older sibling.

Cape fear with Robert de Niro is awesome

The song you forgot - Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac.

I watched the Irishman pretty damn often when it came out Netflix. Big Scorsese fan and I think he did a great job