Fine acting, but over-the-top with violence and vulgarity

Rating: 3/10 (30 October 2006)

Went to the movie mostly due to the attraction of so many big-name stars and a name director. Maybe it's my own fault for not knowing what a "true" Martin Scorcese film is like, but I sat through the film constantly asking myself (and my companions) why a pretty good story had to be laced with excessive foul language and enough violence and blood to fill at least 4 movies. These actors don't need this level of vulgarity to make a point. Properly used, civilized words can convey emotions and story lines far better than the 4-letter words this movie throws at you in virtually every scene. In our theater, most everyone had that look of "was all that really necessary" as we filed out. Too bad - it could have been so much better.