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My Tribute to the Best Robert De Niro Movies

BY: GURU JAY
How do you decide which movies to watch, when there are countless choices? Maybe, you’re like me, and you check if your favorite actors are in the film. For instance, if Robert De Niro is in the production, I’ll watch the movie without hesitation.
There’s only one De Niro film I had trouble with, and it is Raging Bull. In the spirit of full disclosure, I only saw approximately 20 minutes before switching to something else. At that time, I was passionately against black and white movies. I couldn’t imagine why they would shoot a modern movie this way.
It’s interesting because Robert De Niro won an Academy Award for Raging Bull. So I may have been wrong. In retrospect, I should have finished watching the movie. But in my defense, I was young and naïve.
My tribute recognizes the best Robert De Niro movies of all time. If I don’t mention your favorites, chime in your comments at the bottom of this story. I would love to read your thoughts.
Brazil
First, let’s start discussing one of Robert De Niro’s unique exploits. De Niro demonstrates exceptional abilities in an unprecedented film entitled Brazil. Critics rightly consider this one of his best, because of an extremely difficult script. Moreover, the actor won’t runaway from a challenge.
I chose this piece to write about because it doesn’t receive credit for creating and developing a different kind of experience. Although I hated A Scanner Darkly, many swear by it. I defend Brazil from haters and detractors for exactly that reason. 
Obviously, the liberal writers experimented with the plot, theme, and settings. But, it’s unproductive to discredit Robert De Niro’s fruitful portion. I recognize Robert’s risky role choice, and applaud his valiant efforts. 
When I watched Brazil the first time, the feeling was surreal. Have you ever felt like you’re entering into another dimension? If you’ve seen the Twilight Zone, Brazil feels the same way. 
It might behoove movie executives to remake the cult classic. With today’s technology, a second go-around could be profitable. Asking Robert De Niro for advice would be favorable.

Goodfellas
Second, this next Martin Scorsese movie showcases both flattering and embarrassing stereotypes. Italian-Americans either love or hate the polarizing film called Goodfellas. In Goodfellas, Robert De Niro plays a mobster, who establishes his territory, and takes control of a frightening situation. The actor does such an awesome job you forget that he’s acting. Almost every scene contains memorable lines and exciting events.
Moviegoers respect Robert De Niro because his characters are believable. Goodfellas should have been called Great Fellows. Seriously, De Niro doesn’t overdramatize, which dramatically affects the movie’s direction and perception. Although costar Joe Pesci goes overboard, it’s perfectly fine because De Niro never breaks character, and always remains coolheaded.
What is more, Robert De Niro cemented his legacy and engrained Goodfellas into American vernacular. Does the movie glorify illegal activities too much? Is it any worst than popular criminal TV thrillers nowadays?
Goodfellas leaves the audience with a nugget of truth about life, love, and lost. Artistically, a film of this caliber can’t be reproduced because Robert De Niro is so central to its theme. The world should realize he is the last of a dying breed.

Heat
Next, this movie displays 2 elite movie stars headtohead in a horserace. Crime genre fans justifiably tout the excellence of Heat. As a writer, I treasure the amazing dialogue between Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.
In order to create a cinematic masterpiece, one needs masterful theatrics. I give 2 Thumps up to the casting department for choosing superb actors. While watching the movie I find myself in total disbelief because I can’t determine who is the hero and villain.
Furthermore, I have to ask an unfair question. Is Robert De Niro a better actor than Al Pacino? Whoever has the answer is lying through their teeth, because that’s rhetorical.
Sometimes, I believe Robert De Niro goes so deep into character that he doesn’t come out of it. So, if I ever met him in person, I wouldn’t know how to address him. I would probably call him Godfather, because I absolutely don’t want to talk to the taxi driver.
Taxi Driver
The 4thmovie I want to discuss is Taxi Driver. In an interview, Robert De Niro stated he acquired a chauffeur’s license in order to prepare for this part. How many other movie stars literally transpose into their roles?
While the movie confronts dark subjects, it tells the painful reality of a nightmarish American story. The 1976 motion picture costars a 14 year-old Jodie Foster. Taxi Driver conveys a powerful message about facing societal problems with solutions instead of blame. Who knows why the Martin Scorsese film didn’t receive multiple Academy Awards?
                                                     
Perhaps, Taxi Driver was ahead of its time, in the sense that the country couldn’t confront the Vietnam War issue at that time. Clearly, Taxi Driver served Hollywood’s agenda just by being nominated for 4 awards. Hence, if De Niro and Scorsese were to receive Oscars, then the Academy would have taken an official stance against the Vietnam War.
The Oscars shouldn’t be a political animal that’s bigger than a donkey on top of an elephant. It’s totally inexcusable that Robert De Niro has only 1 Academy Award in his collection. Undoubtedly, Taxi Driver should have earned this thespian his first Oscar.


Casino
Casino comes with a built-in twist in that Robert De Niro, who typically portrays Italians, plays a “Golden Jew.” In the beginning, Robert’s character “Ace” Rothstein seemingly dies in a car explosion. After sealing his fate, Ace begins narrating his Las Vegas tale from the supposed grave. 
Sharon Stone serves as a sidekick and lover to the Jewish casino gangbanger that is Robert De Niro. Joe Pesci delivers a critical component to the story. This movie would be mediocre without Pesci and Stone’s spectacular showings. How does Scorsese get everything and everybody right?
The Casino plot mainly concentrates on Rothstein’s character, and is seen through his vantage point. If there were perfect movies, Casino is more perfect. After watching the convincing movie once, many people will schedule a flight to Vegas.
On the other hand, whether or not one takes this trip into the desert, depends largely how one perceives the director’s phenomenal piece, which delivers a cautionary message against gambling. Robert de Niro helps turn Casino into classic theatre and prominent popular culture. Now, imagine the tables turning and instead of the gangsters going to jail or dying: they pass go on the Monopoly Board that is Vegas, land on Boardwalk, and save up enough cash to buy a beachfront mansion in Beverly Hills and a exquisite Manhattan condominium.
In mobster movies, there’s hardly ever a happy ending. The only winners tend to be lawyers and courts that charge excessive fees for simple services. While Robert De Niro has starred in the greatest Mafia films, I don’t believe Hollywood type casted him.
Men of Honor

On the contrary, this next movie deviates from stereotypical De Niro scripts. Based on a true story, in Men of Honor, Robert plays Master Chief Petty Officer Leslie Sunday. Supporting actor Cuba Gooding, Jr. portrays Master Diver Carl Brashear who became the first amputee to return to full active duty in the U.S. Navy.
Both movie stars put on incredible performances. Furthermore, Gooding, Jr. slowly changes into a better performer, while filming with one of the greatest actors of all time. In a sense, Cuba made Robert more special.
Both Sunday and Brashear overcame significant odds, broke records, and made history. They honored their country and wore their uniforms with bravery and courage. In an ideal world, more family friendly films like this would get made.
Wouldn’t it be nice if Robert De Niro and Cuba Gooding, Jr. produce another picture together? After revisiting Men of Honor, I see why the blockbuster generated $82 million on a $32 million budget. There’s nothing better than a gripping story that’s true to the cause.
Men of Honor would have received Oscars, if Hollywood didn’t have an unhealthy fascination with violence. Like a Daniel Day-Lewis movie, usually there will be bloody depictions celebrated at award ceremonies. Robert De Niro understands how to differentiate himself and reach a new audience. That’s why he’s an amazing actor, who can’t be duplicated, only imitated. 
The Score
Can critics agree that The Score starring Robert De Niro and Marlon Brando contains the absolute best acting known to mankind? De Niro, who stars as a master safecracker, sits in the background, and compliments the legendary Brando. How great is it to see Robert De Niro on screen with another great star from an older generation?
Directors and actors love working with Robert De Niro because he prepares harder for projects than a Harvard scholar on Finals day. He could probably write a dissertation on each movie’s subject matter. The best like Robert, work smarter to reap incremental benefits.
The Score captures Robert’s underrated range and underused capabilities. Brando, Edward Norton, and Angela Bassett brought out the absoluteness of De Niro. I can watch this movie 10 consecutive times and never get bored, because it is a tour de force. 
The Godfather Part II
If 100 movie buffs were asked to name the top 10 movies in history, at least 86 would cite The Godfather Part II. Robert De Niro received Best Supporting Actor for his labor of love. Robert’s charisma compels the audience to the gangster lifestyle. Additionally, The Godfather Part II inspired future filmmakers to engage in the fine arts.
Robert De Niro’s successful portrayal of Mafia figures cannot be overhyped. De Niro is the leader of the pack in his niche. No one can touch De Niro, except maybe Al Pacino, in the crime genre.
I consider The Godfather Part II just as great as part I. Rarely does a sequel outperform the original. Then again, Robert resembles a diamond in the rough.
The government should mandate that everyone watch this movie at least twice. The Raging Bull actor executes like Rocky Marciano in the ring. Lastly, the Rocky and Bullwinkle Fearless Leader is adaptable.

The Good Shepherd
Finally, The Good Shepherd completes the discussion. In addition to directing, nonetheless De Niro plays a General. Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie star in Director De Niro’s masterpiece. 
I believe this movie involving the Central Intelligence Agency prepared Jolie for the Salt role. Furthermore, The Good Shepherd influenced Matt Damon’s The Adjustment Bureau. Whether in front of or behind cameras, Robert De Niro doesn’t stop delivering.
Once again, replace good with great. The iconic celebrity directed The Great Shepherd. Everything Robert does, as a performer, is very good because this superstar outdoes.
Honorable Mentions
I’m impressed by his endurance, and Silver Linings Playbook is a testament. Also, I want to mention the Sleepers, Cop Land, Jackie Brown, and Meet the Parents. Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown pairs Pamela Grier with Samuel L. Jackson and features Robert De Niro.

The fine actor could complain, but he doesn’t. Movie executives and studio bosses don’t pay De Niro enough money. Why don’t more performance artists participate in profit sharing?
Everyday, greedy corporations cheat hardworking actors out their fair compensation. That’s why there are too many famous actors, but too little rich actors. I respect Robert De Niro because he’s not out of touch. He knows these gangsters, disguised as Sony executives, are out there giving talented starving artists a pittance. In all fairness, how can I recognize the honorable without mentioning the dishonorable?
If you’re reading this, and you’re a Hollywood aspirant or a paid entertainer, be considerate of your colleague. If you can, band together with them. If you want accountability, support the Tribeca Film Festival cofounded by De Niro, because you know the actor/director has the artist’s needs in mind.

 Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

As a point of reference, it’s insulting to call De Niro “good.” Does it sound good saying Robert De Niro is my favorite movie star, and one of the best actors ever? Or does it sound great?
I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1! 
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Actors Al Pacino Any Given Sunday Carlito's Way Celebs City Hall Entertainment Guru Jay Heat Hollywood movie stars Movies Robert De Niro Scarface Scent of a Woman The Godfather The Recruit Top 10

Top 10 Al Pacino Movies

BY: GURU JAY

What are the best Al Pacino movies? Are your favorites on the Top 10 list? Let’s look.
Top 10 Al Pacino Movies
10. Scarface                                        
Pacino plays a Cuban refugee turned American gangster in Scarface. It is one of his best showings because the Italian gets his creative juices flowing. Can you imagine playing another nationality and ethnicity?
“Say hello, to my little friend!”
9. Any Given Sunday
In Any Given Sunday, Al Pacino stars as a head coach who delivers an eye opening and ear popping speech to his football team. In addition, Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx help Al out with supporting roles. It makes the top 10 because Pacino goes beyond his pay grade.
8. City Hall
Whether you love or hate politicians, you’ll like City Hall politics. This is a diamond in the rough. You haven’t seen Al Pacino quite like this. He shines bright like perfectly polished dress shoes.


7. The Godfather: Part III
Unsurprisingly, The Godfather: Part III was well received by fans and critics alike. Furthermore, the 1990 film cemented Al Pacino’s legacy on the Boulevard. In case you’re wondering, the great actor doesn’t have a handprint on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, nor does he need one.
6 . The Recruit
Colin Farrell became a better actor while filming The Recruit with Al Pacino. Do you want to go on a roller coaster or a merry-go-round? If you want a thriller, I recommend watching this.
5. Heat
In 1995, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro were at the peak of their superpowers. Credit Director Michael Mann for masterminding scenes with the two superstars. Can you handle Heat?
If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen and cut off the Chew and Rachael Ray.
4. Carlito’s Way
In a way, Carlito’s Way is the sequel to Scarface. The movie contains familiar themes. However, the setting changes to New York. As always, Al Pacino doesn’t disappoint.
3. The Godfather
The Godfather is perhaps the greatest film in cinematic history. In the movie, Don Corleone played by Marlon Brando, shows Pacino the ropes and teaches him the family business. Some say Al Pacino was “too good.”
2. Scent of a Woman
Al Pacino beat out Malcolm X starring Denzel Washington for Best Lead Actor in Scent of a Woman. The film is about an old depressed blind man standing up for a young gentleman. Watch this clip. Here is one of the greatest and most moving cinematic speeches ever recorded.

1. The Godfather: Part II
Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola combined their talents and awarded efforts with Al Pacino to create possibly the greatest book/film trilogy of all time. The Godfather: Part II exceeded every expectation. Though the bar was set at an impossible level, Pacino obtained purity, clarity, and closure as Michael Corleone.
Thank you for reading, commenting, and sharing.
Photo By: Wikimedia Commons


I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
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Actors Hollywood Jr. movie stars OITNB Robert De Niro Robert Downey Ryan Gosling Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Is the New Robert #Gosling #Reynolds

BY: GURU JAY

Ryan Is the New Robert If Orange Is the New Black 

Ryan is the new Robert if orange is the new black. Movie legends Robert De Niro and Robert Downey, Jr. paved the way for all actors. Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling owe a great deal to the two Bobbies.
Hollywood is an evolving landscape Gosling and Reynolds are the new version of De Niro and Downey, Jr. The torch has not been passed yet though. As the business evolves, so do the actors. The Ryans still have a lot to learn.
Who is your favorite Ryan? Did you know Ryan Reynolds was married to Scarlett Johansson? What makes a movie star great?
Who is the best Bob? I think they are both exceptional actors. But Robert De Niro is my all time favorite.
Robert De Niro
De Niro is extremely versatile. No challenge is too big for him. All too often, they want to typecast Robert.

Don’t marginalize this movie star. Robert De Niro deserves your respect. He’s been in show business for over 50 years.
Although Robert may excel at mobster roles, he can play anything. In fact, he portrays a CIA agent in Meet the Fockers. He is a chameleon disguised as an actor.

Did you forget about it? Robert De Niro is the lead character in Goodfellas. Also He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Godfather Part II.

He is still in high demand. Robert De Niro’s longevity is impressive. He is a master. His commitment is unbeatable. He routinely gives 100 percent every time.

What is more, the thespian adds a unique flavor to the mix.
There’s no one like him, not even Al Pacino. Have you ever seen a bad Robert De Niro movie? You have? No way!
Robert Downey, Jr.
Robert Downey, Jr. has the biggest ego in Hollywood. He realizes his value. Perhaps, he is made of the best pedigree.
Bob lands coveted roles like a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. I’m quite sure John Travolta would give him pilot classes in exchange for acting lessons. Bobby is known for drama.
I call him the King of Hollywood because he is a drama king. He is funny too. He’ll even make fun of himself and his mistakes.

You see, we love comeback stories. Robert Downey, Jr.’s story isn’t a rosy picture. He has fell off the wagon a few times. But, the former child star has been redeemed.
Robert started acting in 1970, when he was 5 years old. His first movie,Pound, was written and directed by his father. As of today, Robert Downey, Jr. is the highest paid actor in the entertainment world earning an annual $75 million
The movie star will go down in history as Tony Stark the Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes the detective. But, there are hidden jewels in his filmography. For instance, the Soloist starring Jamie Foxx featuring Downey, Jr. is a classic.

Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling is in the news. Actress Eva Mendes is pregnant with their first child. Just as he is becoming a parent, his career is taking off at the same time.
He is a popular draw at the box office. The ladies love Gosling. If he works hard, he will be the new Robert.
The Ides of March is his best work. He proved he belonged in the same sentence as George Clooney and the best actor. I remember when The Ides came out in the theaters. I was psyched.
Here’s a clip from The Ides of March. I hope you enjoy. You should see the full movie when you have the chance.

Crazy, Stupid, Love established the Canadian actor in the Romantic Comedy genre. He is the perfect leading man in chick flicks. Call Gosling if you need a kissing scene.
Gosling will take his game to the next level. In order to be a De Niro or Downey, you have to accept all challenges. Ryan can just change his name to Robert pretty soon.
Ryan is the new Robert. He is young and charismatic. He has transformed before our very eyes.
Speaking of Transformers, Ryan makes Mark Wahlberg jealous. But good looks don’t mean you’re a good actor. Ryan Gosling is good, but Mark Wahlberg is great.
Give Gosling at least 4 more years. Reread my article in 2020. Mark my words: in 5 years he will be # 1.
Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds reminds me of Robert Downey, Jr. He seems arrogant like an elephant’s ego. But his bad boy image is just for show. Confidence is the keyword.
You go through tons of auditions to get 1 yes. Therefore, in entertainment you need thick skin. Do you dread auditions?
Did you see Van Wilder and The Proposal? You should also watch Safe House. These films showcase his range of talents.
Are Canadians naturally comical? Guess what? Gosling and Reynolds are both Canadians. Your tennis shoes are made in China. But, your actors are made in Canada.
It’s only a matter of time before Reynolds is a real action hero. Can you imagine Ryan saving the world? He truly is a talented and phenomenal actor with enormous potential.
By golly, I’m going to make a movie starring Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, Robert De Niro and Robert Downey Jr. I’ll name it “Ryan Is the New Robert” or “Ryans vs. Roberts.” Michael Bay will direct if he is available.
Reynolds has yet to receive his big break. He is one of the most underrated movie stars. I’m surprised he isn’t a top 10 highest paid actor. In three years times, he’ll be on top.
Ryan will make it. I know he will because he has ambition. He’s a dreamer. And you’re only as big as your dreams. So, dream big!
This is The Guru Jay launching off to outer space in 5-4-3-2-1. Feel free to comment and ask questions. Thank you for reading and sharing. Meet me @ Mars.