Carlito's Way (1993)

Director: Brian De Palma

Starring: Al Pacino, Sean Penn, Penelope Ann Miller, John Leguizamo, Ingrid Rogers, Luis Guzman, James Rebhorn, Joseph Siravo, Viggo Mortensen

More info: IMDb

Plot: Finally released from prison, Carlito Brigante has vowed that he will not go back to the life he once had. His move to a new life isn't easy, as Carlito must resist every taunt and every opportunity back into his old lifestyle. He meets up with his old love, Gail who shows him the person he can be in a happy life, but his good friend and lawyer, David Kleinfeld is having problems of his own and would love the help he could gain from the legend known as Carlito.

My rating: 8/10

Will I watch it again? Yes!

After recently watching DePalma & Pacino's previous gangster turn in SCARFACE (1983) (and for the last time) it was nice to revisit CARLITO, a much better film. It's a more mature picture and more solidly put together. The music plays a big part and it's one of the better-used song soundtracks out there. Pacino is much better than his Scarface character. I'll stop right here comparing the two films although it is difficult not to.


Sean Penn is great as Carlito's shady lawyer. He's a lot of fun, actually, a real skeezy guy. Penelope Ann Miller does a fine job as well and we even get to see more of her than usual. Hubba hubba. There's a lot to like in this gangster, drug, crime picture from the solid performances to the great dialogue, tense conflicts and great disco era soundtrack. Check it out if you haven't already.