A Good Movie

Rating: 8/10 (1 January 2014)

This movie was completely off my radar but recently I saw Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio on a TV show talking about all their work together.
So when I saw the DVD for 3$ at the store I thought I'd check it out...and must say I thought it was a very good film.
I'd just had dental surgery and was on a bit of pain meds so I can say for sure it really messed with my mind (in a good way).
Other reviews say the story was telegraphed...but I never felt like I got ahead of the plot...and until the very end felt like it was still surprising me.
I'm not a huge DiCaprio fan (other than Gilbert Grape) but thought he did a respectable job in his role. The surrounding cast was all very good...ie Ben Kingsley as usual.
IMO...I woulda liked to see a lot more of Max von Sydow...and have his role and story greatly expanded...but I've always liked him as an actor.
Sometimes I thought the "sets" seemed a little off...like a lot of it was shot on a sound stage rather than on location...and I found that a bit distracting at times.
This movie was a welcome change though from all the movies that seem to rely only on building up to epic battle scenes and chases...I've grown so tired of that formula.
Anyway...I'm glad I got a chance to see this one...and will definitely watch it many more times.