The Irishman

Martin Scorsese’s latest film, “The Irishman” is a great 2 1/2 hour movie. It’s too bad that it runs for 3 1/2 hours. Like a number of writer/producer/directors no one edited out unnecessary scenes. The story is fascinating, telling the background of Jimmy Hoffa’s body guard and his connections to the mob. Robert DeNiro gives another compelling performance as the title character. The technology that makes him look younger is seamless. It’s good to see Joe Pesci back on the screen as DeNiro’s mentor from the mob. He gives a steady, sometimes understated performance. But the real standout is Al Pacino, who for the first time in a long while, doesn’t totally over act in the roll of Jimmy Hoffa. As is usual for a Scorcese film, it is beautifully filmed and well acted. It’s just way too long. If the production wasn’t so professional this would make a good two or three part miniseries.