I got where Scorsese was going and appreciated the tribute, but as a film it never gels. The uneven story is probably most to blame – two-thirds of the way through the movie DeNiro disappears and it becomes a Minnelli musical showcase (like many great musicals of the past wrapped up), but instead of being a finale the movie continues to drag on some more. The acting is very good (from two greats) – DeNiro is a total ass, but yet you could see why Francine is attracted to him when he turns on the charm. Minnelli herself does great in the numbers, but it felt like she was at times going for a broader comedy than the film was heading. At many times it felt as if Scorsese was letting the ideas direct the picture instead of having a clear vision for it himself.

for the film in the dvd extras. he says, “maybe it doesn’t work.” oh, but it does, at least for me. the combination of 1970s naturalist acting and psychology and classical hollywood musical aesthetic is brilliant, and, i think, very present in things like gangs of new york and the aviator. and goodfellas.

kind of feels like a muppet movie, without the muppets. and minelli is not a terrible actress.