What’s Aged the Best?
Stars working for scale; De Niro with Stallone; attack on Freddy’s good ear;1990 s Jersey; Falco smoking
In the discussion (13)
Approx. transcript time · 00:32:24Read transcript
- The lost era of ambitious indie ensembles working for scale is fondly remembered.
- De Niro and Stallone sharing scenes felt monumental before De Niro’s later commercial comedies; Jackie Brown and Wag the Dog enhance his 1997 run.
- Firing beside Freddy’s good ear is an effective escalation of cruelty, compared with targeting a wrestling injury or McClane’s bare feet.
- Mid-1990s New Jersey clothes and atmosphere are enjoyed.
- Falco smoking is an especially enthusiastic attraction choice.
- Falco and Liotta’s convincing smoking and intimacy are singled out, with the cast’s general familiarity with cigarettes praised.
- Freddy’s Carlton cigarettes and Lethal Weapon pinball establish character economically: he wants to be a supercop.
- The portrayal of a closed white-cop community has disturbing contemporary resonance; reportedly cut racism scenes and the bridge exchange about saving Black children deepen the critique, though it is not nuanced.
- Mangold's sustained career is an aged-best choice.
- Young muscular Berg and the returning fashion of Randone's shoes and motorcycle are enjoyed.
- The rare, well-chosen Springsteen uses and restraint with needle drops keep the score effective.
- Six future Sopranos performers are listed: Falco, Ventimiglia, Patrick, Sciorra, Sirico and Nascarella.
- The satellite town and bar feel authentic to childhood experience of cop bars: welcoming to children yet increasingly boisterous and intimidating.