Review of Born to Win

I admit that the only reason I sought this film out is because I'm trying to see all of Robert De Niro's early movies. Of the ones I've seen this one may be the best, it was better than I expected giving its limited stature, availability and horribly deteriorated picture. It's about a small-time hood played by George Segal who is being set up by police (one of whom happens to be De Niro in a small role) to take down a high profile mob criminal. There are a few eye-opening sequences including a chase in a parking garage and one showing the outcome of taking bogus drugs. The only disappointment would have to be how it ends. Segal's character probably wants to go straight but ultimately doesn't really learn anything from the life of crime he was living. Not a disappointment but worth a look.

6/10