Movie:
Boss of Bosses, a TNT original movie that debuted in June of 2001, was directed by Dwight Little. The film is based on the book written by the FBI agents that helped to undermine the Gambino organization (Joseph F. O'Brien, Andris Kurins, Laurence Shames). Starring in the film are Chazz Palminteri (Paul Castellano), Angela Alvarado (Gloria), Jay Sanders (Joseph F. O'Brien), Clancy Brown (Andris Kurins), and Steven Bauer (Vito Genovese).

The film starts at the end (December 16, 1985), and then goes back to the beginning, showing a few glimpses of Paul Castellano's early life in New York. "Big Paulie" gets in the business after impressing his cousin, Carlo Gambino, and Don Vito with his smart thinking. Many years later, Don Carlo makes Paul Godfather. As head of the Gambino family, he strives to control New York through legitimate businesses, such as construction and unions. However, not everyone agrees with his way of thinking, John Gotti among them.

Boss of Bosses is probably the first film I've seen of the Gambino family that doesn't focus on John Gotti. Palminteri does an admirable job of playing Castellano and makes the film interesting to watch. I felt that the film did run a bit short at only 93 minutes, and I would've liked to see more of Castellano's early life. The film also narrows its focus to Castellano, omitting a lot of the "behind the scenes" workings of his death. Viewers interested in the film should follow it up with Gotti and Witness to the Mob, the latter being only available on VHS.

Picture:
Boss of Bosses is presented in a matted widescreen format (approximately 1.78:1) and is enhanced for widescreen TVs. The transfer has a fair amount of specks and scratches, along with some slight grain and visible edge enhancement. Colors are natural throughout, with accurate flesh tones and deep blacks.

Sound:
Boss of Bosses is presented in Dolby 2.0 Stereo Surround in English and French. The stereo track presents the material adequately, with crisp and clean dialogue throughout the film with no distortion. Optional subtitles are available in English, French, and Spanish.

Extras:
Extras include filmographies for Palminteri, Sanders, Brown, and Little.

Summary:
Anyone interested in the Mafia, the Gambino Family, and Paul Castellano should give the film a rent. Boss of Bosses also makes an excellent companion piece to the already released Gotti. Recommended.