...but I'm a little biased.

Rating: 10/10 (6 October 2006)

...because I live where this movie was filmed and took place, I may have a little biased edge in giving it 10 out of 10.
I was totally captivated throughout the entire movie. What a cast!!! Of course, it may be a TAD obvious as to why Damon and Wahlberg were cast as Massachusetts State Police UC officers. That's the EASY part. Two of the major characters didn't have to learn how to "capture" authentic Boston accents. It is hilarious to listen to Martin Sheen and Alec Baldwin (and sometimes Nicholson) try to do their best bad imitations of Jack and Bobby Kennedy. Damon's girlfriend drifted between a generic accent and a half-ass Southie accent depending on with whom she was in a particular scene. She is QUITE stunning, however. (by the way...at no time did I ever hear anyone in the film utter the immortal Southie phrase "wicked pissah") All nitpicking aside, this is an instant classic. Cast, soundtrack,and it's actually really funny in most scenes. Sometimes funnier than most comedies. I guess it goes without saying that Nicholson is in perfect form as the Whitey Bulger type "Frank Costello" He almost LOOKS like Satan. (Whitey could only HOPE to have as much charisma)
Location and supporting cast is spot on. I've seen so many films that are shot in Boston and it seems like the director or producer didn't do their homework in capturing the true flavor that is Boston, Massachusetts. Scorcese deserves an A+ in preparation as far as set and location.
A local radio host once said " Boston is all about TWO things...politics and revenge". It's also about the Irish mafia. To be quite honest, as violent as the movie is it may not even come close to the real carnage that has been reaped in Southie over the years.
I don't have any reservations about recommending this movie. I saw it the day it premiered so I wouldn't be influenced by any outside sources. It is destined to be a classic alongside such greats as GoodFellas, Casino, Scarface etc.
Be ready for a flurry of twists and turns at the very end of the movie. No spoilers here. You won't be surprised....well, that is, until the last 30 seconds of the movie. ENJOY!!!!!!
(ps Anybody have any idea of a way to get my daughter to break up with her boyfriend?...an aspiring Mass State Cop.....yikes!)