A classic gangster movie.

Rating: 10/10 (20 September 2015)

Black Mass is a true story of one of the most notorious criminals who operated in South Boston, James 'Whitey' Bulger(Johnny Depp). FBI agent John Conolly(Joel Edgerton), is given a job to take down the Mafia. John Connolly grew up with Whitey Bulger & his brother Billy Bulger(Benedict Cumberbatch), who happens to be a state senator. Agent Connolly thinks it's a good idea to take Whitey Bulger's help, to eradicate the other criminal organizations in Southie(as South Boston is fondly called). His FBI boss, Charles McGuire(Kevin Bacon) & colleagues, FBI Agent Robert Fitzpatrick(Adam Scott) & John Morris(David Harbour) reluctantly agree. However, Whitey Bulger takes advantage of being an FBI informant & soon rises to the top of the Southie crime scene by doing whatever he wants, legal or not.
Black Mass is a flawless film. It's fascinating & terrifying at the same time that, such an unhinged criminal ruled the streets of South Boston for years. The movie, more or less accurately depicts all that happened on the streets of South Boston in the '70s & early '80s. People who are squeamish about excessive violence & gore should not watch this movie. However, for everyone else this film should be a blast! There is not a single dull moment in the film. The script based on the book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob is incredibly gripping & will keep you on the edge of your seat. Scott Cooper has done a masterful job, directing the movie. Despite everything, the reason Black Mass is a masterpiece, is because of the performances. Johnny Depp steals the show in every scene he's in, as James 'Whitey' Bulger. With heavy prosthetic make up, piercing blue contact lenses & a receding hairline, Depp is almost unrecognizable as Whitey Bulger. Depp transforms from a man who loves his mother, brother, wife & son to a ruthless psycho criminal in seconds, with absolutely no effort. The special effects & make up department have done a good job in making Depp look just like the real James 'Whitey' Bulger. At the end of the day despite great make up, acting gets noticed & Johnny Depp does not disappoint. Depp portrays the various emotions of Whitey Bulger with expertise & panache. Johnny Depp is back & deserves all the award nominations he's going to get for his role. Joel Edgerton is spectacular as John Connolly. Edgerton continues on a winning streak after The Gift(2015), which he directed, wrote & starred in. He is a force to be reckoned with. Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant as Billy Bulger. Cumberbatch superbly recreates a Boston accent. Kevin Bacon is great as Charles McGuire. Jesse Plemons is good as Kevin Weeks. Peter Sarsgaard is awesome as Brian Halloran. Dakota Johnson is impressive as Lindsey Cyr. Corey Stoll is amazing as Fred Wyshak. Adam Scott & David Harbour are effective as FBI Agent Robert Fitzpatrick & John Morris respectively. Julianne Nicholson & Juno Temple are awesome as Marianne Connolly & Deborah Hussey respectively. Rory Cochrane & W. Earl Brown are effective as Steve Flemmi & John Martorano respectively. Mary Clug & Luke Ryan are adorable as Mom Bulger & Douglas Cyr respectively. Black Mass is a must watch, especially for fans of gangster movies & Johnny Depp.