Director:  Brian De Palma		Released:  November 1993
Writer:  David Koepp		MPAA Rating:  R
Players:  Al Pacino, Sean Penn		Running time:  144 minutes

This could have been one of the all time classics, except for two things.  The love story is flat and lifeless, and Pacino doesn't seem to be giving it his all.  The main story is great, with plenty of good mobster-style violence and back stabbing.  But man, the secondary story of Carlito and his long lost love is boooorrrringgg.  I would have fewer complaints about Carlito's Way if that relationship had been thought out better, or maybe a more dynamic actress had been cast.  I can't pinpoint exactly what it is, but it doesn't hold up compared to the rest of the film.

If you're going to watch this movie, go ahead and fast forward through any scenes between Pacino and Penelope Ann Miller.  The rest of it is worth it.  Like the ambush that comes in a shady bar pool room, or the big finale at the train station.  However, I did find it a bit distracting that they show us the end of the film at the beginning.  It removes some of the suspense.

- crocoPuffs

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