interesting but deeply flawed

Rating: 7/10 (19 August 2003)

Spoiler i dont really understand what all the fuss is over this film. yes, it is very good. but top 50 of all time good? oscar worthy good? no, i'd have to say no. while the first half is incredibly impressive, beautifully put together with wonderful acting. the second half starts to fall apart. the acting was very good, but impressive? outstanding? no, it didnt appear that any of these actors were actually pushing themselves or doing anything particulary fantastic with the exception of one or two scenes. my main problem with the film was the script. as i said, the first half was very impressive, but the last half just disintergrates. we barely find out anything about the wife after they get married. we dont even found out how deeply involved she is in the drug dealing or whether she knows about sandy. it is only at the last minute that we find out that she is on drugs as well. it is never really made clear why paulie is on trial at the end and there are numerous other plot holes which left me feeling cheated. it felt as if i was told part of the story and then the rest was just brushed over and forgotten. a great shame considering the brilliance of the first half.