Scarface (1983)

An ex-convict Cuban refugee (Al Pacino) arrives in Miami as part of the 1980 Mariel boatlift. After assassinating one of Castro's former henchmen, the drug lord (Robert Loggia) that hired them offers them positions which they accept. Not content to be someone else's henchman, the refugee has bigger plans for himself and that includes the drug lord's mistress (Michelle Pfeiffer). Based on the novel by Armitage Trail by way of the 1932 Howard Hawks film and directed by Brian De Palma (DRESSED TO KILL). Dismissed by critics upon its release, audiences made it a big hit and today, it's a cult favorite and its reputation has grown. It's an over the top gangster epic (it runs just under three hours) devoid of subtlety and if you can accept it's excesses, it's a pretty good gangster flick. My feelings toward Pacino's performance shift. I can't decide if it's brilliant performance or a godawful piece of overacting. No, it's not THE GODFATHER but I'll take it over GOODFELLAS. With Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Steven Bauer, F. Murray Abraham, Harris Yulin, Paul Shenar, Miriam Colon and Gregg Henry.