Slow and first but then it's a wild ride

Rating: 8/10 (15 October 2006)

Scorcese does it again, delivering again quality entertainment that is flashy and exciting but needs a bit more heart. The beginning of the movie hints at what could have done to make it better. All in all, the result is quite a piece of entertainment, with some outstanding performances, in particular De Caprio and Damon as the two sides of a character that is heavily manipulated by circumstances and a Faust-like figure.
Damon, in particular, is very good in the way he portraits an ambitious yet hesitant corrupt police officer. He is a despicable character, who still manages to pull a few sympathetic punches. De Caprio is upstaged by Damon a few times, but he is still very effective. Nicholson presents another variation of his naughty persona, with a twist of evil to make it interesting enough.
The man in charge is definitely Scorcese, still at his best with material that involves deceit, violence, and plenty of crime. The movie moves very well most of the time. The final 30 minutes are superb, but in perfect and unfortunate counterbalance, the first 1/2 hour is a bit thin and slow.
It could have been an instant classic. Instead, it's a very good film. Enjoy it.