For me, so far, this is my least favourite Martin Scorsese movie

Rating: 5/10 (9 January 2011)

I really tried to like this film, but it didn't completely work for me. Granted it is very well made, with stylish shots and striking locations, the music is good, Scorsese's direction is excellent(though he has directed much better than here) and Jack Nicholson does do his best work in years here. However, I never did find the movie that compelling, the film does move in a somewhat mannered manner and there are parts that are either rushed, underdeveloped or even predictable- the sex scene was laughable. Also, I think The Departed is overlong, and the ending was very underwhelming. Then there is the script, while it has been lauded for its complexity, maybe I am being harsh but I found it too complex and needlessly convoluted too. In terms of acting, it was okay but nothing exceptional Nicholson excepted. Leonardo DaCaprio plays a different role but for me it is a role that does not suit him, while I didn't see anything special in Mark Wahlberg either. Out of the cameos, Ray Winstone's comes off best, while Matt Damon is the real weak link being very blank faced and monotone throughout. Overall, not terrible but a disappointment. As far as Scorsese movies go, I would put Goodfellas, Taxi Driver and Raging Bull over this any day. 5/10 Bethany Cox