Best of the Year!

Rating: 9/10 (7 October 2006)

I must admit that I went into the viewing of the film expecting it to be only OK, something to view on a Saturday afternoon. I left the theater wanting to applaud. While the film isn't flawless, it has great acting, a well-written script and good direction. I was glued to my seat immediately. I was worried about Leonardo. Yes, he has a handful of good performances on his resume, but the bad choices outweigh the good ones. You never know if he will actually be able to nail the part. Within 5 minutes you knew he would nail this one. If he doesn't get Oscar and Golden Globe nominations something is wrong. This is one of his best performances. His intensity is honest to the character. This is his film. The rest of the cast is awesome. Jack is a little over the top, but the audience allows it. Matt is, well Matt. He knows how to play this character. Basically he offers nothing new from what he has given us in other roles. There is a hint of charisma in some earlier scenes, but for the most part he doing just enough to make the character believable. The supporting cast is great. The movie is well casted. I loved infusing actors who were actually from MA. The violence wasn't over the top. The story was excellent. These actors had a great script to work with and the direction makes this film a modern day classic. I am purchasing it as soon as it comes out on DVD.