One of the best sublimely self-conscious crime pictures

This film is often seen as the follow up to Brian De Palma's `Scarface (Widescreen Anniversary Edition), and while the films share a logical line of progression and the same director and star, they're not related really. The recent viewing of this movie for the first time since it was released in the mid 90s confirmed my long held beliefs: this is some of Mr. Pacino's best work on film along with great performances from Penelope Ann Miller (his love interest) and Sean Penn (Carlito's lawyer).

Brian De Palma makes one of his best (and under-rated) films by letting the viewer be as self-aware of the on-coming clichés and pit-falls of the drama the story intones, just by the narration. The aged, contemplative voice of Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino) that chimes in more often than not, is as essential to the way the story unfolds as Henry Hill's was to `GoodFellas'- this guys been on the inside, he knows the ropes, he knows the stakes, he knows the nature of the beast that goes with the people he associates with, and now that he's out of prison, he doesn't want it anymore. Un-like a lesser film, we start to believe his intentions and reasoning's.

Carlito's just been released, thanks in part to his counselor David Kleinfeld (Sean Penn), five years gone in a thirty year sentence, and when he returns to the street many look at him as if he's changed hearing that he's retired. Carlito just wants to get some money together, open a car dealership of sorts with a friend in the Bahamas, and works in a nightclub right smack dab in the heart of the coked up late 70's. As Carlito's tale unfolds, so does Kleinfeld's, as an inmate who's a client of his makes a demand that he can't turn down, which in turn brings a perpetually reluctant Carlito along with him. Carlito proves to be a complex character with a solid understanding of what's right and wrong, as well as very strong ambitions. These two traits are quite often opposed with one another, and it is in this conflict that De Palma brings out the best of Pacino. Somewhere along the way Carlito has won you to his cause, and despite the character flaws and set backs, you want to see him achieve his dream. But as the story unfolds, the stakes and risks are greater and his success seems less likely.

What I especially enjoyed in this movie was the narration Pacino had of Carlito in many crucial or pivotal parts of the script. Unlike many of his more well known and recognized roles, where Pacino had long brooding scenes, it was left to our imagination to often times wonder what the character was thinking. In Carlito's Way we are offered a glimpse into that thought process, and it is quite rewarding in fact. magnificent set-pieces that confirm De Palma's worth as a director of thrillers as well as dramas, this is an example of Hollywood movie-making that is waiting to be discovered over and over again, as proof of the value that can come in re-fashioning a genre piece.

What I thought...

I challenge you to picture the following scenario - take the makers of the legendary Scarface, have them team up with the one factor that can literally make or break a movie by his presence alone... team them up with another tour de force script about a druglord looking to go clean after being released from prison, and have Sean Penn join in as the corrupt lawyer, and you have CARLITO'S WAY - one of the most underrated yet unbelievably powerful movies of Al Pacino's illustrious career. Having been a fan of this movie ever since its release, it's a no brainer that this would take priority in my Blu-ray collection. "Ok, I'm reloaded!!" - most of you will recall hearing that phrase, whether its in a parody or in a rap song, now you know where it's inspired from... this amazing movie.

God Father Wannabe

And it nearly achieves it too...we loved this film..though the ending could have been better..Movie starts out with Al Pacino as Carlito getting out of a 30 year prison strtech 25 years early thanks to his Friend and Lawyer played by Sean Penn..I can't get over the bad perm....come on Sean what was ya thinkin?? I really hope that was a wig! Carlito sets out to start his dream business, but as always he gets pulled back into the street life and ends up being a marked man..This film has it all suspense, romance and edge of your seat action and I promise you will be suprised how this film ends..I highly recommend this movie to everyone except the kiddies not for anyone under the age of 18..If you liked the God Father movies you will love this one, enjoy!

Classic Al Pacino in the mean streets of Spanish Harlem

If your looking for classic street level gangster movie, then this movie will give you bad guy trying hard to become a good guy. Al Pacino(Carlito)is so great he has you wanting him to bet the odds of getting out of Spanish Harlem(NYC)alive. Benny Blanco from the Bronx reminds Carlito of when he was a young man coming up on the mean streets of Spanish Harlem. Sean Penn(Carlito's Lawyer)shows you how your friend can betray you to save thier own butt. This movie shows you what goes around comes around. Two thumbs up, A+, 5 stars. Go out and rent, or buy your DVD today.

It Didn't Play in My DVD Player

Although I hadn't seen Carlito's Way in 17 years (I love that classic), I couldn't play it in my DVD player. There was a notice that came with the DVD that said, "In order to take advantage of newly available features on your HD DVD disc, your player may need to be updated with the latest firmware updates. For additional information, please go to www.thelookandsoundofperfect.c​om.

I went to that website (I triple checked the spelling) and it didn't pull up. Maybe the IT guys were doing maintenance on it, I don't know.

Although my DVD player is 3 years old, it still should've played Carlito's Way. My DVD player don't need any updates. I guess I'll buy myself another Carlito's DVD and see if plays or not.