Sorry to see that Hollywood is out of ideas

Rating: 1/10 (3 March 2007)

Having watched both "Internal Affairs" and "The Departed" I am thoroughly disappointed by the latter. I had no idea the two films had anything to do with each other, and the disappointment and boredom grew as scene after scene seemed like an American copy of a Chinese quality product (how is that for a change).
More shocking is the overwhelmingly ecstatic reception of the Hollywood blockbuster, which, in my view, is fueled by a range of big names in acting, producing, and of course directing. It goes to show that creative talent has become rare in Hollywood, remakes hit the screen in an increasingly shortening interval, and good advertising and promoting count more than fresh ideas, or truly artistic values.
Did I say there was no creativity in this movie? Well, I take that back. Hollywood being Hollywood, the genuinely dark ending of the Hong Kong masterpiece was obviously too bold for an audience that is more interested in watching the good prevail. Or at least leaving the theater safe in the knowledge that the bad won't walk free. Consequently, the ending is the only creative adaption to make the movie a little more digestible to ensure good reviews, and, more importantly, secure cash flow.
"The Departed" would have been a good film. The pure fact that "Internal Affairs" exists, however, makes it feel like its only intention is to make money from a larger audience the Hong Kong original can appeal to.