Matt Damon is outstanding

Rating: 10/10 (21 July 2011)

This is a classy bit of film making with some cracking performances. Matt Dillon's portrayal of slimy faux-cop Colin is brilliant, probably the best I've seen from him. He alone makes this film worth watching, and I've watched it 4-5 times and intend to do so again.
Dillon's adversary is faux-hood DiCaprio, sweating his way through a stressful career stint as scary arch-villain Nicholson's sidekick. Throw in a little Sheen and Wahlberg, mix with Baldwin and Winstone, and you have one enthralling movie. For glamour fans there's the delicious Vera Farminga, throwing a cherry on top of the fabulously convoluted plot.
No matter that the story is full of holes and nonsensical, contrived situations. The appeal of this film is gritty, real-life relationships and dilemma. You can smell the fear and taste the blood, thanks to a director and cast who really know what they're doing.
Quite why Damon's performance has gone largely unacknowledged whilst almost everyone else involved with the film has collected awards, is puzzling me. Playing such a complex and shifty character with great depth and understanding is apparently not enough - it seems you have to shout, wave your hands and make funny faces to win awards.
Well done Matt Damon, in my books yours is one of the all-time great performances, and I'd give you an Oscar.