Another Gem from Martin

Rating: 10/10 (17 October 2006)

I have seen THE DEPARTED twice now(both opening weekend) and I have to say that it is without a doubt one of the best American movies to come out in the last decade. Everything from the ground up is top notch in this ultra violent crime thriller.The writing was superb, providing not just one cast member, but the whole cast a stream of clever and effective speech. The performances were nothing short of incredible. Leo and Damon act as the glue holding together this tangle of lies and deception, both providing plenty of raw emotion, and a noticeable realism to both of their characters. Jack as always rules any scene he appears in as the hilarious, yet psychopathic Frank Costello, and should be receiving without a doubt yet another well deserved Oscar nodd. The supporting cast of Wahlberg,Sheen,and Baldwin also provide authentic knock out performances that both enhance the films realism, and add to its' fun factor. The direction by good old Marty is BRILLIANT, as if we expected anything less. He somehow puts a creative spin on each and every shot, so the viewer is never left with a boring angle they've seen too many times before.The music used in the film is also pivotal as it strikes the right nerves in our bodies at just the right time(gimmie shelter,one way out,comfortably numb,plus an Irish jam from The drop kick Murphys). The plot is very intriguing as we follow two moles from both sides of the law set out to report on what they find. This film wonderfully pulls off what could have easily been too difficult of a plot to manage, and for that you can thank Marty. A lot has been said about the ending, and their seems to be varying reactions to it, however I felt it was very clever, and brought the plot full circle just in time for the credits. This movie will make you laugh, make you cringe, make you glad you are not undercover, and make you feel like you actually saw a film worth the price of admission.
Come Oscar season many predictions have been made. Having seen FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS already I can easily say that flags has no chance at the major Oscars. It was terrible. SUPPORTING:JACK good possibility LEAD ACTOR: LEO good possibility WRITING: MONOHAN most likely BEST DIRECTOR:MARTY I'd say so just so the Academy can get rid of him.EVEN THOUGH he more than deserves it. BEST PIC:THE DEPARTED We shall see, but some how the real best pictures never win. Advice from me? SEE IT. THEN see it again.