Scorcese's back!!!

Rating: 8/10 (16 October 2006)

A lot of critics were hailing this movie as one of Scorcese's best. I would have to agree. Although he will never top "Goodfellas" or "Raging Bull", Scorcese has managed to take a rather tired genre--mob movies--and breath new life into it. Of course, having about seven A-list actors in the cast would help any movie. Alec Baldwin, Mark Wahlberg, and Martin Sheen are solid, Ray Winstone is great in his biggest role to date, and Jack Nicholson and Leo DiCaprio deliver masterful performances. The weakest link in my opinion is Matt Damon, who comes across as rather stiff. The direction is pure Scorcese. The steadicam shots, the unexpected explosions of violence, and juxtaposition of humor and bloodshed--I was in Heaven. "The Departed" will probably get a few Oscar nominations. It might win one. For those wanting a break from the usual formulaic tripe, this is a true diamond in the rough.