The Irishman

        Director Martin Scorsese and renowned screenwriter Steven Zaillian are at the top of their game with this exceptional new crime drama, based on the life of mobster Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran. Stuck in development hell for years, Mr. Scorsese was finally able to get it made with his dream cast of Robert DeNiro (in the title role), Joe Pesci (as mob boss Russell Bufalino) and Al Pacino (as Jimmy Hoffa).

         While it is absolutely a great American crime drama, there is a side to this film unlike any other crime story. It speaks to loss and and a haunting looking back on an unforgiving life devoid of the glamorous side we've seen so many times before. The film runs three and a half hours. Could it have been trimmed? There were definitely scenes that could have been shorter or cut altogether but they don't really hurt the narrative as the film holds your attention throughout it's running time.

          The supporting cast is a cross section of great talent in a completely male dominated film. Bobby Cannavale, Harvey Keitel, Stephen Graham, Jesse Plemons, Ray Romano, Domenick Lombardozzi and Jack Huston are all featured. Anna Paquin plays Frank's eldest daughter as an adult, Katherine Narducci plays Carrie Bufalino, Russell's wife and Stephanie Kurtzuba plays Irene Sheeran, Frank's wife.

           Saving the best for last, are the three stars. Mr. Scorsese has brought the best out of his leads with the finest work they have done in years. Mr. DeNiro had to beg Joe Pesci to come out of retirement for the film and he appears to have never lost a beat. His performance is zen-like in his control and masterful understatement. He is an icy cold mobster with a restraint and calmness that is just chilling. Mr. Pacino steals the film as Jimmy Hoffa, playing Mr. Hoffa with a comic bluster that threatens to go over the top but never quite does. Two particular scenes with Stephen Graham are, alone, worth the price of admission. And of course there is Mr. DeNiro as Frank Sheeran, who effortlessly carries the film on his back . At first, it was hard to accept Mr. DeNiro as an "Irishman" but for the first time in many films, he completely disappears into the role and you find yourself sympathizing with a stone cold killer.

         The film spans decades and in an amazing CGI process, the actors are seen as their younger selves. For the most part, it's really incredible but if you stare long enough, facial elements do look a little off. Luckily, you will be so caught up in the story that you won't find yourself nitpicking the de-aging process.

          In a very public feud between Netflix (who financed the film) and the biggest theater chains, it will be hard to say who lost the most, but for now, it's the public who will have a hard time seeing this in a theater before it comes to Netflix. Try your best to see it on the big screen now and if not, find a friend or neighbor with a big screen TV or watch it on your own TV. It comes to Netflix November 27th.