The Film Fluffer

Today I got the chance to watch the classic film Raging Bull.  The film stars Robert De Niro as pro boxer Jake La Motta.  It is an autobiographical film about his life.  The film basically goes through his ascend to greatness and his eventual downfall.  The movies main characters are Jake’s brother Joey, played by Joe Pesci, and Jake’s abused wife Vickie, played by Cathy Moriarty.  The movie was directed by Martin Scorsese.  This film is the one that had significant influence on the career’s of Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese. 

This movie is now one of my favorites.  I enjoy dark movies.  This movie is very violent and contains sexual content.  That really surprised me seeing as how it was made in 1980.  So don’t watch this one with your mother.  I also tend to enjoy boxing movies such as The Fighter.  I enjoyed the genuine feel that this movie took place in the 1940’s - 50’s.  The costumes, the settings, and because it was black and white gave it that classic feel.  This is a very enjoyable film but it can make you cringe, so beware those with weak stomachs. 

A couple of weeks ago I went to see The Hangover 2.  I was worried that the movie wouldn’t live up to the first and I was right.  Don’t get me wrong I still enjoyed it but the first movie was way better than this one.  The biggest complaint is that the format of this movie is pretty much the same as the first.  The same gags, the same jokes, those things made it dull.  For example instead of Stu losing a tooth he gets a face tattoo.  Also if you have seen the preview then you know that there is a monkey which basically the baby from the first movie.  The movie also tries to push the limit many times.  In my opinion it didn’t do much to put it over the first film.

There are many good things too.  The movie is very funny.  So if you are looking for a laugh or to be cheered up this is a good movie to see.  Alan has a lot of ridiculous one liners in this movie.  He is probably the funniest part of the film.  There is also a ridiculous cameo near the end of the movie that makes it worth seeing.

Overall this movie is good for a laugh but if your not willing to pay for the movie ticket put in The Hangover and relive that gem.