Following the box office success of Goodfellas, Universal green-lighted Casino, another mob epic starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. Based on the nonfiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi (who co-wrote the screenplay), the movie lays bare an intricate web of corruption that surrounded the gaming industry in the 1970s and 1980s. The movie focuses on a handful of mob figures – including Ginger, Ace, and Nicky – and the ways they were able to manipulate the Vegas machine.

Unlike most other movies about organized crime, Casino doesn’t neglect to explore its characters’ personal lives. While it lacks the overall pizzazz of Goodfellas, the film succeeds in illustrating each character’s rocky home life as well as their professional career. As a result, when the mobster’s downfall occurs, the audience feels more sympathy for them.

The movie also shows the lengths casinos will go to keep their customers playing as long as possible. Several scenes feature slot machines that have no clocks and windows to make players unaware of how much time has passed, and the casino offers free drinks to encourage play. Despite these efforts, the house edge eventually grinds down the player’s bankroll.

Among Scorsese’s best films, Casino is a lean and mean thriller that doesn’t let up until the credits roll. Its sweeping camerawork is enhanced by the powerful soundtrack and crisp dialogue. The acting is especially impressive, particularly Sharon Stone’s turn as Ginger. Her performance builds on and inverts her star-making turn in Basic Instinct, and she is a force to be reckoned with.