It's the ultimate cocktail minus the umbrella

Rating: 8/10 (25 February 2007)

I've followed the production of this movie (on this site) for the last couple of years and by God was I excited last night as I finally held a copy in my hand. However, after watching the movie I felt somewhat disappointed. Don't get me wrong I thought it was a good, solid movie but it all just felt a bit pointless.
Many people have said it's hard to like the characters??? I myself found it harder to believe these characters exist!!! and if they do then Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon and esp. Mark Whalberg definitely failed to convince me (and I love JN). The best thing about this movie has to be Leonardo DiCaprio. As usual his pulled of another challenging role. His instinct as an actor is remarkable and in 'The Departed' he really gets the chance to spread his wings and is brilliant in depicting the often conflicting sides of the human psyche. (with great insight fullness and sensitivity)
I love Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Casino etc. only like the latter two in particularly, Martin Scorsese just fails to hold his concentration right at the last and ends up presenting us with an atrocious film IN TERMS OF EDITING. If you haven't noticed it go and watch it again. Sorry to mention it, but it really annoys me, as it's just careless and distracting.
All in all I would recommend this movie as it is entertaining, there is good characterisation and yes it is well directed. However, if your hoping to see a film some people have described as the best in 10 years, then think again. This movie lacks the intention and, well, ending to leave any real satisfaction. It's like eating the most finger licking meal in your life, only then having to wait for a dessert that never arrives. For those of you on a diet this should fill up you nicely.