Casino is Martin Scorsese dialing up Goodfellas to 11. It’s the story of mob life as seen through the eyes of a New York gangster turned Vegas casino owner and mob middleman Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro). In his quest to mint money, Ace becomes mired in violence, treachery, and avarice. It’s a fascinating and complex depiction of how people can fall from the heights of power due to greed and hubris.
Casino features superb performances from the entire cast. But it’s Sharon Stone who steals the show as Ginger, a woman who can’t be tamed even by the most devoted man. She’s a streetwise, brassy, and physically striking hustler who lingers in casinos to induce men to drink and gamble. In her way, she makes those casinos lucky.
Despite being one of the longest movies from Martin Scorsese, Casino never feels long or dragged out. The director uses taut editing and masterful narration to keep Casino a lean, mean thriller that keeps the audience on edge till the end.
Casinos bring in tourists from all over the world, who spend their hard-earned money on gambling and other entertainment activities. Moreover, they contribute to local economies by providing jobs and attracting people who would otherwise not visit the area. This has helped many cities and towns to prosper over the years.
