Worth seeing twice

Rating: 10/10 (19 November 2006)

I really liked this movie. A lot.
Frequently when a movie with this much talent is put together, it seems like a lot of it gets drowned out by some other element of cinematography, but here, the film making process actually did what it was supposed to do--it acted as a supporting mechanism for the brilliant actors.
I have to admit that the casting was superb. Leonardo did a great job... he really came through in the clutch with one of the most difficult acting jobs he could have been assigned. Likewise, Nicholson was AMAZING. He was the absolute perfect man for the role and he will leave you wanting to like him, but the whole time knowing he is the bad guy. Damon again does what he can with his rather bland personality, which happens to be perfect for this role... he was the right casting choice and fits into the movie perfectly.
The two big surprise actors in this movie are Wahlberg and Baldwin. Both have minor roles, but are hilarious. Wahlberg especially. He provides the necessary comedic relief to make this movie feel like a dark comedy at some points rather than a drama. Also the Boston element really comes forth within this movie... there is a heavy emphasis on the Irishness of the town not seen since Boondock Saints.
The character development that we see is really a major plus to this movie. Watching the characters change and suspicions arise does just as much for this movie as the action does.
The reason that I didn't give it a ten is because the ending leaves a few questions that give the viewer a solid amount of confusion, and in a movie like this I feel like it would be best to answer those questions. However the ending is great--its shocking and brilliant and leaves the viewer with a deep satisfaction that most movies these days do not.
This is the epitome of a good film, don't let this one pass you by.