Title: The Irishman
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino
Runtime: 3 hrs 29 mins

What It Is: Telling the tale of Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran, a former mob hitman this tale tells of a teamster who meets notorious mafioso Russell Bufalino (Pesci) and begins his work in organized crime. This leads him to deal with the leader of the teamsters union Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino), who’s disappearance remains one of the histories most perplexing cold cases. This journey told through an elderly Sheeran will give us blood, brotherhood, and broken promises. Perhaps it even solves the question “What happened to Jimmy Hoffa?”…or not.

What We Think: Scorsese proves once again why he’s a master. I don’t particularly care for the de-aging stuff used here but it never took me out of the film and it’s hardly noticeable once you’re in. Its gargantuan 209-minute runtime might deter some but if you can sit through 3 hours of time travel BS in Avengers: Endgame then you can plop down for this. Narratively this is some great storytelling. It flows well and moves from its year to year well. Interjected nicely by cuts to the film’s pivotal chapter. I’ve heard some are watching this is parts like a mini-series DON’T DO IT. This is event movie planning in full effect.

Our Grade: A, This is a fantastic film and one that’s necessary viewing. Scorsese’s recent comments notwithstanding regarding Marvel and the like one thing is certain the guys still got it. I recommend this film of course. And as far as how to watch it…all in one sitting. Sure you COULD split it but why would you. Sometimes something like this can be divisive and split the movie-loving community between those that prefer the bigger budget action films and those in the arthouse and indie camps. This settles right in the middle.