One of the most influential movies ever made, Casino is a true epic from director Martin Scorsese. It lays bare the mob’s insidious grip on Las Vegas. Its tentacles touch politicians, Teamsters unions and the Midwest mafia.
Whether you play at a card table or slot machine, the odds are against you. There is no skill in gambling; it is pure chance, and you are likely to lose your money. But when the lights flash and sounds blare, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement.
Many casinos also have bars and restaurants. These add to the atmosphere and make the experience more rounded for patrons. They also provide a place for people to meet and interact with others, which can create social bonds.
While the cast of characters in Casino is impressive, none of them are really good or bad. They are all mired in greed and corruption. And while this is typical of most mafia movies, what sets this film apart is its depiction of the seedy underbelly of Sin City. De Niro delivers a powerful performance, and Sharon Stone gives perhaps the best role of her career as the blonde hustler Ginger McKenna. The movie also features a solid supporting cast, including Joe Pesci as the hardened enforcer Santoro. The film may be three hours long but it never lags or loses its momentum, thanks to Scorsese’s masterful editing and taut narration.