The true story of infamous crime boss John Gotti, who organized
​a successful hit and became don of the Gambino Crime Family.

BIOPIC/CRIME/DRAMA

Gotti (2018)

Directed by Kevin Connolly

Written by Lemm Dobbs and Leo Rossi

Starring John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Spencer Rocco Lofranco, Stacy Keach, Chris Mulkey, Pruitt Taylor Vince, ​Leo Rossi,
​Andrew Fiscella, William DeMeo, Chris Kerson

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Connor Eyzaguirre

June 16, 2018

8/10

I want to make one thing crystal clear with this review. Gotti is not a bad film. It's not a lemon, it's not a disaster, and it is certainly not deserving of a 0% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Gotti is a well-acted, intriguing, and engaging biopic of one of modern history's most infamous criminals. I don't understand why every movie critic in the country has marked this film for death. It features John Travolta's best performance in years, as well as a great ensemble and a killer soundtrack.

In the late 1980's, crime boss Paul Castellano was gunned down outside Sparks Steak House in Manhattan. Upon his death, underboss John Gotti was named the new boss of the Gambino Crime Family, effectively making him the most powerful man in New York City. Gotti was a well-known gangster, but no charges could stick, earning him the nickname The Teflon Don. Travolta plays Gotti with menace, charm, and sympathy all at the same time, delivering what I thought was a strong performance. It's true that the film does glorify Gotti's crimes, but the way I see it, in certain circles Gotti was a local hero. His neighborhood viewed him as a force to be reckoned with and they respected him. The film tries to show all angles of the man, not just the monster.

I want this film to be seen by people far and wide, because it doesn't deserve to disappear because of bad critic reviews. It's a surprisingly good movie that deserves a second chance. John Travolta really does give it his all and reminds audiences that he is still here and still giving solid performances. I don't care how many critics come out and condemn this movie. I will stand by it because I know the difference between a good movie and a bad one, and Gotti is the former.