Al Pacino's Iconic Gangster Film Finds a New Digital Haven

The infamous line, “Say hello to my little friend!”—uttered with trademark bravado by Al Pacino as the gloriously troubled Tony Montana—has etched itself into the annals of pop culture like a too-big tattoo that just won’t fade. Yes, darling, it’s time to dust off your Argentine tango shoes because the 1983 crime drama Scarface is now available for your streaming pleasure on Netflix. Directed by the masterful Brian De Palma and penned with all the grit and glamour that Oliver Stone could muster, this film boasts a Certified Fresh score of 79% on Rotten Tomatoes. A win indeed, for a film that once faced a hailstorm of criticism for its unapologetic violence and colorful language. Who knew that drugs, drama, and a healthy dose of chaos could bring such joy to our living rooms?

What do we have here? Our dear Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee with a penchant for chaos and ambition, embarks on a journey filled with questionable morals and more crime than a season finale of any reality TV show. After cozying up in a refugee camp, he and his buddy Manny Ribera, played with charm by Steven Bauer, receive green cards with a side of murder. Yes, it’s the American Dream! In a plot twist that feels every bit as absurd as 2023 itself, they’re sent on a mission to eliminate a former henchman of Cuban President Fidel Castro, thanks to the fierce drug lord Frank Lopez, portrayed by the ever-so-stylish Robert Loggia.

Let’s not forget Elvira, played with that signature allure by Michelle Pfeiffer, who struts through the narrative as Lopez's trophy wife. Every cinematic frame that includes her is like eye candy—if candy were laced with rebellion and heartbreak. And if that wasn’t enough, we also have starlit performances from Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and F. Murray Abraham. It’s practically a buffet of talent that leaves you grateful yet slightly nauseous with all the excess.

Originally cashing in with a remarkable $45 million in the U.S. and squeezing out a total of $66 million worldwide, Scarface was the misunderstood genius at the party. Critics might have scoffed at its unapologetic approach to violence and drugs, but clearly, it has stood the test of time. David Ayer, the writer behind Suicide Squad and Fury, once declared a draft of Scarface to be “one of the best scripts I’ve ever written.” But alas, studios have a way of wanting more—often in flames, and in this case, possibly less bloodshed. Talk about a diva!

In an amusing twist, Ayer reassured the masses that, no, his script wasn’t too violent—it was merely a dive into a “rich, soulful journey through the drug trade.” I mean, who hasn’t had that kind of week? Yet with a ranking of third place on CBR’s list of best Al Pacino gangster movies, Scarface immortalized him forever as Montana, the king of cocaine and chaos. Not bad for a man who graduated from The Godfather back in ’72, another little film that carries its own cultural baggage.

In a recent revelation, Lauren LeFranc, the showrunner of Max’s The Penguin series—featuring a vengeful Colin Farrell—couldn’t help but liken their tale to that of Scarface. “It’s a rise-to-power story of Oz before he really makes it to the top,” she quipped. Much like Tony Montana, this character is “a mover and a shaker” who embodies that spirit of unpredictability that keeps us all on our toes. Can we ever truly predict what chaos he’ll conjure next? It’s a wild ride, folks!

So, grab your popcorn—sans the hidden stash of contraband—and settle in for a delightful evening of transformation, ambition, and that ever-so-unstoppable essence of the American Dream. Remember, Scarface is now streaming on Netflix. Just be ready for a marathon of moral ambiguity and unforgettable moments. After all, you really can’t have too much of a good thing—or can you?