"Boss of Bosses" tells of the rise, reign, and fall of mob boss Paul Castellano (Palminteri) with the emphasis on his reign as head of the Gambino crime family. "BofB" plays as a rather ordinary made-for-tv biopic centered on a marginally interesting crime figure with Palminteri seemingly helplessly in need of some quality direction. Passable stuff only for the terminally bored or those with an interest in organized crime.
13 Reviews
Mediocre Film
Jayr03275 December 2006
I'm a big mafia movie fan.I'v seen them all. Boss of Bosses does a good job in depicting the the come up of young Paul Costellano and Carlo Gambino. This is not bad for a TV movie and i give them full credit.
Unfortunately I have some criticism to share. The story lacks action like other mafia flicks. Also, in my opinion I think they portrayed Paul Costellano as a nice caring guy, come on who are they trying to fool. Finally they put the Icing on the cake when they show John Gotti. I couldn't stop laughing, this guy is the worst Gotti ever, he looks nothing like him. He looked like a wimp.
I Don't mean to take cheap shots at the film, but I am a movie buff and I am not going to b.s. anybody.
Unfortunately I have some criticism to share. The story lacks action like other mafia flicks. Also, in my opinion I think they portrayed Paul Costellano as a nice caring guy, come on who are they trying to fool. Finally they put the Icing on the cake when they show John Gotti. I couldn't stop laughing, this guy is the worst Gotti ever, he looks nothing like him. He looked like a wimp.
I Don't mean to take cheap shots at the film, but I am a movie buff and I am not going to b.s. anybody.
How do I explain it to them?
bkoganbing2 December 2017
Boss Of Bosses explores the life of Paul Castellano who for a few years the top of the heap in his chosen occupation. Chazz Palminteri gives us a good and interesting performance in the title role which follows Castellano from his boyhood on the Lower East Side to that fateful day outside Spark's Restaurant on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. An interesting irony all things considered.
It's an interesting phenomenon in that the more successful you are as a gangster the more you attract the attention of law enforcement. The seeds of your own destruction are built right into criminal activity. Castellano added a few more.
The phrase "a good earner" came into our language in the film Goodfellas. If that was the only criteria for success than Castellano may have been the most successful of all, save for Meyer Lansky who never got convicted for a major crime. Castellano when taking over the Gambino crime family thought first and foremost of earnings. He forbade drug dealing and tried to steer his crime family into the more lucrative profession of the building trades and he was making more money with much less risk.
But as he complained for what he was doing he needed a few guys from Harvard Business School. How do you explain it to guys who got into the business with their main qualifications the ability to bust a few heads? As he grew away from the rank and file Castellano set himself up for trouble.
This same story was told in films where John Gotti and Sammy Gravano were the lead characters. Now told from Castellano's point of view it has all the elements of a Greek tragedy. Palminteri is a most tragic figure indeed.
I did like the trio of FBI agents who went after Castellano. Headed by Daniel Benzali the rest of the trio included Clancy Brown and Jay Sanders. Their activities included bugging Castellano's home on Staten Island and no doubt got a few jollies from his love making to his young Hispanic mistress. Twas rumored Castellano practically went into a second childhood over her.
Paul Castellano's rise and fall are part of our gangland lore now and it's a story well told in Boss Of Bosses.
It's an interesting phenomenon in that the more successful you are as a gangster the more you attract the attention of law enforcement. The seeds of your own destruction are built right into criminal activity. Castellano added a few more.
The phrase "a good earner" came into our language in the film Goodfellas. If that was the only criteria for success than Castellano may have been the most successful of all, save for Meyer Lansky who never got convicted for a major crime. Castellano when taking over the Gambino crime family thought first and foremost of earnings. He forbade drug dealing and tried to steer his crime family into the more lucrative profession of the building trades and he was making more money with much less risk.
But as he complained for what he was doing he needed a few guys from Harvard Business School. How do you explain it to guys who got into the business with their main qualifications the ability to bust a few heads? As he grew away from the rank and file Castellano set himself up for trouble.
This same story was told in films where John Gotti and Sammy Gravano were the lead characters. Now told from Castellano's point of view it has all the elements of a Greek tragedy. Palminteri is a most tragic figure indeed.
I did like the trio of FBI agents who went after Castellano. Headed by Daniel Benzali the rest of the trio included Clancy Brown and Jay Sanders. Their activities included bugging Castellano's home on Staten Island and no doubt got a few jollies from his love making to his young Hispanic mistress. Twas rumored Castellano practically went into a second childhood over her.
Paul Castellano's rise and fall are part of our gangland lore now and it's a story well told in Boss Of Bosses.
not bad for a made for TV movie
theragingbull26 July 2003
all i will say is that this movie was decent, nothing more, nothing less. it's not exactly anything to get excited about as it is no more than average. the whole way through the film, i got the impression it was trying to copy other mafia films. for example the flashback to when chazz was a young hood reminded me so much of the first half of once upon a time in america and the trip to florida resembled that of donnie brasco.
nevertheless, chazz was brilliant and i would recommend this 'movie' to any fans of him, its just a shame he was reduced to this when he far more capable of more challenging roles. it was also nice to see steven bauer but a shame he had such a small role in a virtually unheard of movie.
C+
nevertheless, chazz was brilliant and i would recommend this 'movie' to any fans of him, its just a shame he was reduced to this when he far more capable of more challenging roles. it was also nice to see steven bauer but a shame he had such a small role in a virtually unheard of movie.
C+
Very Good TV Movie
finsnasty84525 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I rented this movie at my local video rental. I was looking for a mob movie that I haven't seen and this one seemed interesting. I saw that Chazz Palmerierri was playing the lead role and I really liked him in a Bronx Tale. He is a good actor that doesn't get a lot of credit. he played a good role in this true story.
It is about Paul Castellano, a Mafia Capo or under boss. He rises in the ranks and becomes the head of the Gambino crime organization. The crime organization has many rules but the biggest being a "NO Drug" Policy. You deal you die, as Castellano says. He is threatened by Jon Gotti. This is a very good movie and it came as a surprise to me.
If you enjoy mafia movies, this is something I suggest you check out. It isn't as good as Goodfellas, Godfather, A Bronx tale and others but it still has entertainment and an interesting story line.
It is about Paul Castellano, a Mafia Capo or under boss. He rises in the ranks and becomes the head of the Gambino crime organization. The crime organization has many rules but the biggest being a "NO Drug" Policy. You deal you die, as Castellano says. He is threatened by Jon Gotti. This is a very good movie and it came as a surprise to me.
If you enjoy mafia movies, this is something I suggest you check out. It isn't as good as Goodfellas, Godfather, A Bronx tale and others but it still has entertainment and an interesting story line.
I loved the movie. Chazz Palminteri is fantastic!!!
deborah26910 June 2001
I loved this movie. Chazz Palminteri was great. I loved the way he portrayed Paul Castellano, the tough, sensitive, thinking mob boss. He was effective and believable in all nuances of the character.(I am definitely a fan!). I love his expressive face, especially his eyes!
The younger Castellano character even had some of the flavor of Chazz's voice(great voice as the older Castellano). This young actor was a good choice and a nice touch.
I liked this movie, even though it didn't have the freedom of HBO tv.
The crazed kitchen scene with Castellano and his wife is a must see!
Castellano was an unusual boss in that he truly wanted to legitimize the business as a whole, which was interesting to me.
The younger Castellano character even had some of the flavor of Chazz's voice(great voice as the older Castellano). This young actor was a good choice and a nice touch.
I liked this movie, even though it didn't have the freedom of HBO tv.
The crazed kitchen scene with Castellano and his wife is a must see!
Castellano was an unusual boss in that he truly wanted to legitimize the business as a whole, which was interesting to me.
Pretty routine made-for-TV style stereotyped Gangster drama.
rixrex3 August 2007
Pretty average for the type of film it is. Palminteri has his usual commanding performance, yet even he cannot get far beyond the mediocre dialog and the overly dramatic and stereotypical plot devices. In fact, he and the very good supporting cast is what pulls this up to a watchable level.
Big mistake to show the killing of Paul Castellano up front, then the rest as a sort of flashback. Most of us know he eventually dies anyway, but it's a completely pointless way of handling it. The maid/mistress is not that much of a sympathetic character as she gives in too easily to becoming a mistress, but that's probably what actually happened.
It's awfully tiring to see these mafioso thugs being constantly portrayed in a flattering manner, using the old excuse of poor upbringing and wrong friends as the reasons for their life of crime, and then of course they are always generous to the downtrodden. But these films never remind us that the downtrodden are the ones they use to gain their riches.
Recommended only for Palminteri fans and/or those who just have to see all gangster films ever made.
Big mistake to show the killing of Paul Castellano up front, then the rest as a sort of flashback. Most of us know he eventually dies anyway, but it's a completely pointless way of handling it. The maid/mistress is not that much of a sympathetic character as she gives in too easily to becoming a mistress, but that's probably what actually happened.
It's awfully tiring to see these mafioso thugs being constantly portrayed in a flattering manner, using the old excuse of poor upbringing and wrong friends as the reasons for their life of crime, and then of course they are always generous to the downtrodden. But these films never remind us that the downtrodden are the ones they use to gain their riches.
Recommended only for Palminteri fans and/or those who just have to see all gangster films ever made.
Honest History Hidden Today
celinaking-979603 March 2024
Must be returned to public view!!
Uncovers the truth hidden today by public media as to the illegal actions taken up by the FBI. Multiple other films today have been released purposely to underhand Paul. & Highlight Gotti. Whereas this motion picture shows the actual reality of the area. Literally pulling the rug out from under every Gotti motion picture to date!
Castellanos speech in the movie is directly given from his speech in person. Demanding the legitimatacy of the family and expulsion of any and all members to forgo his declaration. That included Gotti. Watch Boss of Bosses a MUST SEE.
Uncovers the truth hidden today by public media as to the illegal actions taken up by the FBI. Multiple other films today have been released purposely to underhand Paul. & Highlight Gotti. Whereas this motion picture shows the actual reality of the area. Literally pulling the rug out from under every Gotti motion picture to date!
Castellanos speech in the movie is directly given from his speech in person. Demanding the legitimatacy of the family and expulsion of any and all members to forgo his declaration. That included Gotti. Watch Boss of Bosses a MUST SEE.
So-so. Capiche?
stevesola1 January 2003
Chazz puts up a good fight here, trying to rise above the script and some lousy supporting players. Not to mention the fact that he looks nothing, and I mean nothing, like the real Castellano. The screenplay trots out every mob cliche in the book, with characters blabbering about "this thing of ours" and telling the Don, "I'll do anything to prove my loyalty." Ditto the FBI guys. "Let's tighten the noose! I want him." Oy vey. Paging Robert Towne....
The story also glosses over many of the more sordid personal problems of the BOB. Still, I was never bored. Definitely better than most made for TV "movies."
The story also glosses over many of the more sordid personal problems of the BOB. Still, I was never bored. Definitely better than most made for TV "movies."
A Boss who wasn't in touch with his family
arthurclay2 April 2004
This movie is fascinating to me on a whole variety of levels. First off I liked it alot as it has Roy De Meo featured in it (see message board for details). Chazz Palmenteri was also a good choice to play Paul Castellano as he had the look and the forceful character needed to pull it off. I thought it was brilliant how they tied in the initial scene and the last scene. I liked how they did the sequence of events leading up to demise of Paul and the Family. No this isn't a comprehensive look at the Gambino Family or Paul Castellano but it still gets the point across. This is the story of a racketeer (I don't use the word "gangster" here as that refers to street level type mafia men like Gotti or Dellacroce who were "blue collar" mobsters even though they really weren't) who thought he was a businessman. He has the brains but not the brawn to stay alive. All he wants to do is make more money and run things like a CEO instead of a real criminal. His soldiers neither fear nor respect him and things quickly spin right out of control right in front of your eyes. "This drug thing is too big there is too much money in it!" Piney Armone says, and Paul just doesn't get that. Paul really says one thing but does another time and time again. He makes the rules and does not follow them period. He systematically p***es off those who work under him and tries to kill every mob guy who crosses him. He finally meets his match when he tries to off John Gotti. Paul fails to appreciate the fact that while his friend Neil is keeping John alive he is also keeping Paul alive. He lost touch with the street and did not have the pulse of his men which is a recipe for disaster. If this movie teaches you anything about the mob its that no one is bulletproof not even and in some cases ESPECIALLY the boss and greed gets you killed quicker than sin. History has shown us that the boss can be the first one to die if the conditions are right and things don't go his way mob rules be damned. This movie is pro-Castellano but I gotta tell you it doesn't stick when you are in possession of the WHOLE truth. I end this review by saying this movie wasn't perfect or completely accurate but its an interesting, gripping story and very powerful from start to finish.
Twenty-two shots from two guns - no reloads.
merc_man023 August 2003
This story has been modified for the screen without a doubt. For the assassination scene two eight-round semi-autos fired twenty-two shots with no visible reloads, leaving shell casings as evidence all over the place? Okay, so I have high standards for docudramas. The book this was based on was pretty good. It did not portray Paul Castellano as sympathetically as was done in the movie. For those with an interest in this story and no time to read it's okay, but don't kid yourself that this is the whole story.
Nothing to talk about..
mementopari19 November 2001
"Boss of Bosses" isn't anything to get too excited about. When I first saw the promos for it, I was excited, because I have always been interested in La Costa Nostra of the United States. I found these movies have many differences between the book and other sources. Half of the conversation of Paul Castellano and the FBI agents never actually took place. If you see the crime photos, I believe that you never see a bracelet for the Don's mistress, and in the murder of Paul, John Gotti is seen with another man, not Salvatore Gravano. The performances are not to be viewed that highly either, the actor who played Gotti doesn't even looks like him, and Chezz Palmetiri, is a little shorter.
Chazz Can ALWAYS Be the Boss
mycatslyone20 May 2005
He plays 'em better than ANYbody. I'm just sorry he's been pigeon-holed in that way. He's really very talented but we're all just so used to him playing a Boss. Oh well - here we go again! I hated what happened to the housekeeper he took a liking to. She had that big sad story to tell over by the pool, began an affair with him & then her personality changed up! Now every time I see her in other roles, I can only remember the role she played in this. I think most of the other comments here pretty much tell it all...It's another Mafia Movie. Sorry, Chazz! But we still love ya! I taped this but missed the 1st 20 minutes or so. Can I get it on DVD?
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