Home Run Scorsese

Rating: 10/10 (7 October 2006)

This film not only met the high expectations I held for it, but SURPASSED THEM. The Departed was expertly written, crafting each character's development thoroughly, without useless background information that would drag the length of the film. Everything took place "in the now" and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. In fact, the movie flew by, but left me completely fulfilled and overly satisfied, well more like BURSTING AT THE SEEMS WITH EXCITEMENT!
I was very impressed at how the plot took shape, and how every twist that was thrown into the mix never pushed the border of believability, but still wowed the audience entirely. The violence was exceedingly well done and strategically placed, adding the right amount of muscle behind the film, which only enhanced the color of each of the characters. The plot took into account the mindset of it viewers, and gave us an excellent scope into the undercover world of police officers. Whether or not there is complete validity to cut throat mentality surrounding this line of work didn't matter, it had me in complete belief of every character, and every piece of action. In addition to a brilliant script containing superb characters, the directing was also top notch by mister Scorsese. I enjoyed many of the artistic flares and interesting shots, but mostly the artful way he kept that dissonance of the two main characters in the forefront of the viewer's mind, making me as an audience member, really take interest into what was to come of each of them in the end. The finale of this film is bluntand perfect.
I LOVE THIS CAST. Many times star studded movies can fall flat, as they rely on names, rather than writing an performance to draw money to the box office, but this was not the case. Leonardo DiCaprio was astonishing at every moment, and he plays this role PERFECTLY. I personally loved Mark Wahlberg's performance as well, and Alec Baldwin delivered an excellent supporting performance, truly allowing his character to shine, and adding high quality comic relief when needed.
The soundtrack also surprised me slightly, and I loved the Irish flare the dropkick murphys added. It kept things interesting to say the least. Overall this is an EXCELLENT, WELL CRAFTED PIECE OF ART! It will keep you talking for hours after seeing it, and only make you want to see it again, I adore this movie, and without contemplation, it is now one of my new favorite movies of all time...well done, HOME RUN MARTIN!