matthias s
"Lansky" is a biographical drama that falls short of expectations. While Richard Dreyfuss delivers a commendable performance as gangster Meyer Lansky, the film suffers from historical inaccuracies, sluggish pacing, and a predictable plot. Its failure to portray real events and characters accurately disappoints those familiar with the mobster genre. The movie's supporting cast lacks depth, leaving characters underdeveloped and forgettable. Despite its flaws, Dreyfuss's acting provides some entertainment value, making it a casual watch for mild intrigue.
However, for those seeking a gripping and authentic portrayal of Lansky's life, "Lansky" might not meet expectations. Ultimately, the film hovers in mediocrity, offering moments of interest but failing to fully engage audiences.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
11/11/23
Full Review
Audience Member
I was expecting a documentary about Meyer Lansky, or at least an entertaining movie. I got neither.
It starts out with Lansky as an old man in Israel, hoping that nation would take him in. Then it shows his childhood, his family fleeing anti-Semitic persecution. The rest is basically him associating and interacting with mobsters.
Lansky was an important figure in the Mafia, being the financial genius who helped make it the big organization it became. But the movie makes him look more like an innocent victim of circumstance than one who deliberately chose the dark path. Plenty of other Jews faced persecution as well, but they did not become criminals.
But the movie should have included at least the most telling aspects of his life-he died not having much money, and his children were not proud of him.
Rated 1/5 Stars •
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
02/22/23
Full Review
Audience Member
There was a moment Mark Rydell was going to direct this movie. I was his development guy. Dealing with Mamet was like dealing with a spoiled child. He took no criticism on this script and look at the ratings. A piece of garbage. The guy is so overrated.
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
02/19/23
Full Review
Audience Member
For nearly six decades, Meyer Lansky was the brains behind the mafia, and is credited for their rise to power in Las Vegas. While being one of the more interesting criminals to ever live, his role was mainly behind the scenes and the film about his life turned out to be much less interesting than the man himself. Meyer Lansky (Richard Dreyfuss) was a Europen Jew, who fled to America in the early 20th century. Living on the streets of New York, he quickly fell in with the wrong people and started laundering money and bootlegging alcohol for some of New York's biggest gangsters. Lansky along with Lucky Luciano and Bugsy Siegel, formed one of the most profitable organizations in the history of the Mob, and are credited as the first group to officially be refereed to as organized crime. I've always loved mafia movies and did genuinely want to learn more about Meyer Lansky, but the truth is, what he did really wasn't that interesting. He wasn't a boss, he wasn't a hitman, he was basically an accountant, trying to make money for all kinds of nasty people. The film was basically a behind the scenes look at the mob and I found it to be very long and boring. Reclusive veteran, Richard Dreyfuss, takes on the role of Lansky and fits the character like a glove. Dreyfuss even mirrored Lansky's mannerisms and was really very good. From an artistic stand point, Lansky was worth watching, as Dreyfuss wasn't the only one to turn in a powerhouse performance. I went into this film looking for an intense, fast-paced thriller, but what I got was more like some documentary on the mob, that put me to sleep. Everything was as it should be for an epic drama, but the truth is, the man they chose to feature, just wasn't the type of guy that needed to have a film made about his life.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
02/17/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Despite a script from David Mamet, this biopic of the Jewish gangster is awfully dull.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
01/27/23
Full Review
Audience Member
One of the dullest films I've seen in quite a while. I can't believe this film is affiliated with HBO.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
01/29/23
Full Review
Read all reviews
>
