The Untouchables (2007, Blu-ray Disc)

Foreward to this review: It seems that there are two schools of thought with regard to Epinions movie reviews. One thinks that revealing the key aspects of the plot (thereby ruining much of the film's impact for viewers) is okay and perhaps even representative of a "complete" review. Another school of thought is that reviewers ought not to do this. My views are in line with the second school of thought and therefore, my reviews will refrain from giving away a detailed plot or commenting on resolution or presenting a summary of the storyline.

Those expecting a nostalgic visit to the old TV series will want to adjust their expectations before watching this film.

There are a lot of major stars here including Kevin Costner as Agent Ness, Robert DeNero as Al Capone, and Sean Connery who steps far his usual character roles but brings along his wit and inherent confidence and status.

The interaction between Kevin Costner and Sean Connery is priceless and makes the film. Costner turns in a stronger performance and Connery doesn't lose a bit of his ability to be a spellbinder. If anything both actors benefit from working together.

DeNero is disappointing, failing to bring across his usually disarming bad guy side and instead showing only the evil side. Whether this was a choice by the editor or director, or whether this was DeNero's interpretation of the part, it is very far from DeNero's usually skilled portrayal.

The storyline is quite well crafted showing all the sides of the Chicago of the Prohibition years. The film has a current relevance that its makers couldn't have imagined, there is a close parallel about the futility of trying to change people that closely matches the possible futility of trying to change people in Islamic countries. The government does what it always seems to, mandating a change it was clearly not so well prepared to gain support for nor to enforce.

Everyone already knows the outcome, prohibition fails,which only makes the extreme efforts to enforce it seem more peculiar.

The sets, costumes, music, and even the lighting show incredible attention to detail. The editing is skillful, you don't get the "it's only a movie" jolts that can occur with oversights.

The film is clearly not suitable for children and has some moments that are sad for adults.

Sometimes history in films based in fact becomes so much of a focus that the film loses some value as entertainment to telling the story. That doesn't happen here. Stereotypical characters, and especially DeNero's cartoonish characterization of Capone, keep one from being overly serious in watching the film. This is good as there is more than an adequate grimness. The film's message is much more about how little power the officials in a situation really have, and how much it is what people are willing to do that affects the outcome.