Watching these two great icons act together was reason enough to see this movie. “Righteous Kill” gives DeNiro and Pacino scene after scene together as veteran homicide detectives on the trail of a serial killer. The murders mirror a crime they solved years ago and help form the basis of this psychological thriller. The subplot of the younger team of detectives and the old time partners makes for good tension in the plot.

The great acting, numerous plot twists and pace keeps you engaged in this thriller. There are plenty of good lines that provide Pacino and DeNiro with smart, wise cracking dialogue that help shape the story and the personalities of the two detectives. I thought Pacino’s performance was particularly good in this film. The supporting cast is strong and adds to the quality of the movie. The screenplay could have been a higher level for these two actors but the acting helps remedy this. There is some faltering in the story line towards the end of the movie. No this isn’t “Deerhunter”, “Serpico” or “The Godfather” quality for these actors but take it for what it is, a celebration of two great actors who are even better when paired together in this film. Skeptics who may downgrade the acting in this film because the actors are older just aren’t paying close enough attention.

The movie is one to see if nothing else for the pairing of Pacino and DeNiro. If you are fans this is one to see. These pros make it look easy and raise this film to a higher level.

2008. Directed by Jon Avnet. Starring Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Carla Gugino, John Leguizamo, Donnie Wahlberg and Brian Dennehy.

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