Day-Lewis was the master "gang" leader in this one!

Rating: 8/10 (24 December 2002)

Director Martin Scorcese's assiduous film dramatizations of New York continue with the 19th century epic "Gangs of New York". Leonardo Dicaprio stars as Amsterdam, an Irish immigrant who returns to New York to take vengeance on his father's murderer- Bill the Butcher. Daniel Day-Lewis slices up an electrifying performance as Bill the Butcher. This is a type of role that is "prime meat" for an Oscar nomination, so expect Day-Lewis to deservedly receive a nod when nominations are announced. However, Dicaprio was no "King of New York" in his stale performance. Cameron Diaz, who plays the pick-pocket romantic interest, was not able to steal our hearts with her lackadaisical acting attempt. Diaz has definitely had "better diaz" as an actress. The voluptuous "big apples" of "Gangs of New York" was the detailed direction of Scorcese, the magnificent replication art direction, and the subjective historical cinematography. Also, let's not forget Day-Lewis' outstanding "meaty" performance. Even though it was not the classic that I expected, "Gangs of New York" is overpowering enough for you to take your gang to initiate yourselves in the "Gangs of New York". **** Good