Casinos are flashy, fun, and exciting places where people come to gamble on games of chance. Whether they are trying to win a big jackpot or just play a few hands of poker, there’s no denying the rush that comes with the excitement of not knowing what is around the corner. However, the fact that most casinos are full of games of chance means that they are also full of people who can’t always trust that luck will be on their side. That is why casinos spend so much money and effort on security.
Casino lays bare the intricate web of corruption that centered in Las Vegas and touched just about everyone, from politicians to labor unions to Teamsters mobsters to mob bosses like Chicago’s Joey Zasa and Midwest mafia kingpin Frank Nitti. It is a fascinating look at how the mafia lost control of what once was their cash cow, and how huge gambling corporations took over a desert city that was basically minting billions in profits.
Martin Scorsese directs this gangster classic with tremendous skill, never allowing the movie to lag or run out of steam, even at nearly three hours long. And the cast is outstanding, especially Sharon Stone in what must be one of her best performances to date. She exudes sexiness, confidence and a whole lot of attitude as Ginger, the casino’s sexiest hustler who can keep men off her back with a single look or win them with her seductive ways.