Pet Rock: The Pop Culture Blog

I've been struggling with this list for the past two weeks, ever since I found out the April 18 release date of Al Pacino's new movie, "88 Minutes."

We all know Pacino is among the best actors of the past two generations, perhaps even three. And the old Pacino-DeNiro debate usually ends in whichever actor's movie you've seen last. So, if you watched "Goodfellas" this week and "Scarface" two weeks ago, you're more likely to say DeNiro is better, and vice versa.

But here in Top 5 Thursday, we don't have that luxury. Here in Top 5 Thursday, we have to rank Pacino's five best characters. Yes, that's impossible. So, for one week only, we're going to Top 8 Thursday, partially because Pacino is that good, and partially to play off the "88 Minutes" movie title.

Before I countdown what I believe to be Pacino's eight best characters, please understand that we're talking about just that: Pacino's characters, not the movie overall. And also understand that with a resume such as his, some characters may jump out at you but are not listed here. In that case, ask yourself this question: Which character would you replace with your choice? Feel free to post your comments.

Usually, I throw a little comment after each item the lists, but if you don't know these characters, then you should stop reading now.

And now for the top 8 Al Pacino characters:

8) Lefty Ruggiero in "Donnie Brasco"
7) Lowell Bergman in "The Insider"
6) Ricky Roma in "Glengarry Glen Ross"
5) Tony Montana in "Scarface"
4) Lt. Col. Frank Slade in "Scent of a Woman"
3) Frank Serpico in "Serpico"
2) Sonny in "Dog Day Afternoon"
1) Michael Corleone in "The Godfather Part II"

- La Monica

And now for some video clips of Pacino on Inside the Actor's Studio.