Reviews

When it comes to recent biopics, I was expecting more from this. With such a huge star and story as Aretha had, it seemed this film fell far from the mark.

The stories within the movie lacked a lot of depth which made it hard to generate any emotion towards any characters. In one transition, aretha went from hearing her single be played outside a record store to her then stood centre stage in madison square gardens to a sell out crowd.

Even further before that, the Columbia records interview is simply done and dusted within a minute.

Sadly this biopic just didn't reach the high standards of recent movies.

This documentary series boasts a compelling atmosphere reminiscent of Netflix's acclaimed true crime productions. Its greay quality and seamless transitions, coupled with cut scenes capturing the nostalgia of 1980s New York, contribute to its visual appeal.

However, the disappointment lies in the absence of any groundbreaking revelations or fresh insights. As a dedicated enthusiast of mob-related cinema and documentaries, my anticipation for novel perspectives was unmet. I know the gotti story well. Very well, but the absence of even one shred of new content was profoundly disheartening.

Regrettably, this series merely comprises federal agents recounting their experiences of planting surveillance devices in buildings, lacking the depth necessary to delve into Gotti's story.

For those well-versed in titles like "Fear City" or the HBO production on Gotti (which I highly recommend), this documentary does not offer much beyond its polished aesthetics and period-specific charm.