Bloated, overlong, overrated

Rating: 3/10 (15 February 2007)

Big names, big director, a rambling script equals not great. "Little Miss Sunshine" should have waxed this puppy Oscar night, as it was a far more enjoyable viewing experience. Somewhat confusing editing and too many characters with too little development sinks "The Departed". The movie could easily have been trimmed to under two hours. It seemed that it was not capable of ending until every last character had "departed" (pun intended). Alec Baldwin was totally wasted on a character who simply revolved around other characters. Martin Sheen added his name to the credits but remained well in the background. Neither Matt Damon or Leonardo DiCaprio's character was remotely likable, and the common love interest seemed gratuitous at best. Only Jack Nicholson did not disappoint, but the movie is way overrated and forgettable. - MERK