My Rating: 3.72/4 (aka Overrated but worth seeing)

One line summary: A story of the Boston mafia and the cops trying to bring it down.

The Deets: This is one of my hot take movies – overrated. Yes, I know, throw the rotten fruit at me. Is it intense? Yes. Is it rewatchable? Yes. Does it have a great cast? Yes. But did it deserve best picture and best director Oscars? Probably not (though the field that year was kinda weak). Should Marty have won for “Goodfellas” instead of Costner in 1990? Absolutely without question, and probably the worst thing Oscars decision of all time. So ok, this one was the make-good; I just don’t love it, and maybe because Nicholson struggles with the fake Boston accent (they all do except for Damon) and plays a little too over the top (even though that’s kind of the point) – for me, Leo and Wahlberg are the two best performances, and I don’t buy Damon’s relationship. Scorsese blasted us with this rock and roll style 17 years before when it was original and daring, and so this time around it just doesn’t hold up (especially not with flip phones). Yes I am nitpicking, but when you’re Scorsese, the bar is high, and it should be. Also the rat on the balcony at the end is unnecessary. Sometimes it’s about what you don’t say out loud.

Perfect for: If you love Scorsese and especially if you loved “Goodfellas,” then you will definitely like this film; just don’t watch them back to back.

Where to watch: You can stream it pretty much everywhere except for Netflix.

Food pairing: Hot dogs and fries.