Great Characters But Full of Plot Holes

Rating: 4/10 (15 February 2007)

I was looking forward to seeing this movie. I begin my review with this statement because high expectations unmet can't help but affect our opinions.
The acting was for the most part excellent. The direction was excellent, especially cinematographically. But the writing left me cold.
Often times writers will sacrifice believability for plot twists or mere convenience. This happens in The Departed. Characters often act in ways which don't make any sense.
Examples: (warning plot spoilers)
Dignam and Queenan know everything about Billy Costigan, including intimate family details, but don't know that Sullivan grew up working for Costello, that Costello came to Sullivan's graduation at the police academy, that Costello was paying for Sullivan's apartment that he obviously couldn't afford on his own etc.
Near the end on the movie Sullivan's story of the shootout would have never satisfied any investigator on his word alone.
Both of these occur for plot convenience only and are not believable. There are many other examples.
It should be noted that while most of the characters were fantastic there were two major exceptions.
Dignam's character has NO redeeming qualities; he is a one dimensional hot head. Why does Queenan put up with him?
Madolyn has to be one of the most dull love interests in recent memory. The energy in the movie dies every time she is on screen. This is made worse by the fact that she, coincidentally, is the love interest of both male leads.
I wanted to like this move and I didn't hate it. I only wish the plot had been thought through a bit more.