Donnie Brasco is a well-acted crime drama, but the predictable story line offers few surprises.

Rating: 8/10 (20 July 2001)

We've all seen The Godfather, Scareface and Goodfellas, so who needs Donnie? Johnny Depp headlines as Joe Piscone, an undercover FBI agent, who infiltrates a mob family using the name Brasco. His voucher is Lefty (Al Pacino), a third-rate gangster who has never climbed very far up the corporate ladder. Let's face it--Lefty will never make Senior VP in Bonnano Inc. Pacino plays it conservatively and actually manages to generate some feeling for this hit-man loser who lives vicariously through his protege/surrogate son. We can see the inevitable conflict coming a mile off, as the younger man becomes emotionally involved with his mentor, the revelation of Donnie's true identity growing ever more imminent. Robert Miano is the tough older godfather, Sonny Red, and Michael Madsen is a tough up-and-coming boss, Sonny Black. Black and Red? Those names don't sound Sicilian. Anne Heche has the thankless role of Donnie's ever-complaining wife, and Bruno Kirby is the Joe Pesci wannabe. Betrayal and loyalty are the conflicting themes scrutinized, but Donnie Brasco fails to make a wrenching impression. Mike Newell, a marvelous and intelligent director, goes a little soft here. Still, Donnie Brasco is worth a look for Pacino and Depp in parts they couldn't refuse.