Quite good, too long, fine movie and acting.

Rating: 7/10 (8 October 2006)

This was a return to the old Marty S. universe of Goodfellahs and Casino, it's in between'em as far's how good it is. I really liked it-Leo, Damon, Jaack, Marky Mark-all good. Sheen and Alec B have smallish roles but are fine too. Boston locales are top-notch, the movie takes the great HK Internal Affairs flick and tosses the Whitey Bulger angle into the mix, complete w/ the FBI informant stuff and corrupt cops aspect. There were only a couple things 'wrong' with it from my point of view.
One-it's about 20 minutes or so too long. The whole double-romance between the cop shrink and Damon/Leo is too cute by half(c'mon...it's Hollywood I know but still...), and slows down the pace after a fast first hour or so.
Two-You don't wanna see Leo wind up dead. He was the heart of this movie, somehow that whole OK Corral finale at the elevator reminded me of 'Face Off' if anything. Not terribly believable.
Three-Marky Mark bagging Matt Damon at the end-I liked it, but that's still sorta too neat. Good movie though pretty much.
I do like this movie though, the character actors and the lot are solid. This will do well w/ the Academy, no idea if it wins.
*** outta **** at least.