Just short of a classic

Rating: 7/10 (5 November 2006)

Martin Scorsese has created another great film that will join "Casino" and "Goodfellas" (two of his earlier films) in the American mobster canon. However, this film isn't quite as good as Scorsese's earlier contributions. In fact, it doesn't really improve on "Infernal Affairs," the film it is based on - it merely Americanizes the story.
The script is excellent for the most part. The dialogue is funny, quirky and effective. The actors do a great job (although the accents falter occasionally). Jack Nicholson is hilarious and believably crazy, although, admittedly, he is somewhat typecast as the character he plays in this film and seems to rely on standard grimaces and deranged smiles.
Mark Wahlberg's character is strangely lovable, even though he plays a cop with very few redeeming qualities.
Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio convince us that they are, respectively, moles in the police force and an organized crime racket.
Alec Baldwin's supporting role is also very entertaining.
One thing that bothered me was the subtle and not-so-subtle product placement, which, in my opinion, took away from the film (Halls and Dell are two prominent examples). While many argue that we should just accept product placement as a fact of life, I believe that directors have the choice to sell out or not and should resist the urge to make more money while compromising the visual and ethical integrity of their films.
If you have not seen the original film (Infernal Affairs), you'll probably love this movie. If you have, you'll still like it. If you enjoy repartee coupled with violence (something only mobster movies seem to be able to satisfactorily provide), you'll be in for a treat. And, you might have a taste for some Halls mints when you leave the theater...
7 out of 10