I love it when people turn me on to excellent fun movies I haven't seen before. In that spirit here are two that are sure to delight if you like the same kinds of movies I do. They both star Robert De Niro. And both are very long, but hold your attention.

1. Once Upon a Time in America is a spaghetti mob movie written and directed by Sergio Leone. It takes place in a Jewish ghetto in lower Manhattan, in a period spanning 50 years or so starting at the beginning of the 20th century. It's a weird movie for sure, and it goes slowly, almost like poetry. But the acting is first rate, and the story is compelling. It's actually two stories interwoven.

2. Casino is like Goodfellas 2, with different characters, but many of the same actors. Directed by Martin Scorcese, the plot comes from a book by the same author who wrote Goodfellas. Stars De Niro, Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone. Set in Las Vegas. Same narration style as Goodfellas, though there are two protagonists.

Also James Woods is in both movies, playing a leading role in #1 and a minor one in #2.

Also interesting, De Niro plays a Jew in both movies.