Good story, powerful performances

Rating: 5/10 (7 October 2006)

As in all movies, this one had its strengths and weaknesses. It was a great story, gripping, absorbing, well acted and generally very powerful. The ensemble interaction was right on the money, and though the twists and surprises sometimes tended to outweigh the plot, the movie was not terribly difficult to follow. Among the many strong points of the film, the cast was exceptionally convincing in portraying their roles. Also, the chemistry between Damon and Farmiga, and subsequently DiCaprio and Farmiga was top notch. The entire production showed excellent, realistic story development.
On the down side, the movie was somewhat heavy handed and overly gripping, without a great deal of pause. In addition to the suspense and tension, the audience should at some point have a chance to breath. Also, there seemed to be almost no let up in the loudness, screaming, and language. Although we all understand that profanity is a part of reality, it doesn't necessarily mean that it has to be the force fed main attraction of the entire story. If the level of communication among officers and detectives in this story is true to life, then one might believe that it is a requirement of all law enforcement officials that their language is always ridiculously juvenile. All of the action characters say the "F" word at a ratio of 1 to 4, throughout the entire movie. It makes one wonder what the actual median level of education is among the officers and detectives. (Among the hoods, it is a given). It also makes one ponder the possibility of the story and portrayals being just as believable and realistic if we were to cut back the language to about one third of what this film offers. (It was done seamlessly 34 years ago in The Godfather, when there was still censorship). This juvenile language aspect is obviously common among almost all current mob and agency related movies. But this installment just seems to go above and beyond.
Then, whatever became of the age old formula where the good guys are the good guys without always being abrasive, and the bad guys being the clear cut bad guys? Then, the two sides fighting it out and the ones wearing the white hats win? This didn't happen. Also lacking was the audience's ability to be able to smile and be satisfied with a reasonable ending. In the incidental romantic subplot, we didn't see the truly deserving good guy drive off into the sunset with the truly deserving good girl (as in Payback, of seven years ago). Apparently, street language and an unhappy ending were more important than anything remotely resembling a vindicating or satisfying feeling about anything. Almost like the movie "Poseidon", only with no winners at all, instead of just a very few.
Very few movies of this type can attain a perfect balance of reality, story, and satisfaction. Harder still is the one that satisfies all audiences, a virtual impossibility. But anyone who has a penchant for mafia and mobsters, cops and robbers, cover-up and covert operations should see this movie. And it is not for the squeamish, either. To enjoy this story, in addition to the above, one should have a strong appreciation for graphic violence, extreme profanity, and a no win situation plot.