Beatdown Avenue

The first film between supreme collaborators Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro, 1973's Mean Streets followed on The Godfather's heels as part of the new, glorious age of gangster films. Harvey Keitel is Charlie, a small-time guy who operates in New York's Little Italy, collecting protection money. Between his secret girlfriend Theresa (Amy Robinson) and his troublemaker friend Johnny Boy (De Niro), Charlie is faced with a lot of decisions regarding his loyalties and his ambition. Featuring stellar performances by the entire cast, which also includes David Proval and Richard Romanus, this film was really the start of Scorsese as we have come to know and love him, and it absolutely deserves an exalted place in film history. This movie is raw and rough around the edges, but that's what makes it "too real," as someone once put it. If, like me, you hold Scorsese and all of his glory in the highest regard, but you have never seen this gem, you have to make it to this screening. And if you already know and love this film can you think of a better way to experience it than on the Inwood screen at midnight? Mean Streets screens Friday and Saturday at the Inwood Theatre, 5458 W. Lovers Lane. Call 214-764-9106.
Fri., Nov. 14; Sat., Nov. 15, 2008