Go see "State of Grace" instead...

Rating: 5/10 (16 October 2006)

Some understated performances from Damon and Nicholson do not make up for a non-existent script and a paper-thin plot that resembles all-too-much a dumbed-down "State of Grace". Aside from Damon doing a bang-up job of exuding the privileged arrogance and charisma of the "well connected" Boston cop, and Nicholson finally toning it down a bit, there just ain't much here. The dialogue is goofy and seems strung together only for aesthetics- so that Damon and the completely-unconvincing-as-tough-guy Marky Mark can rattle off their Bostonese at a machine-gun clip. But really, when you get down to it none of it makes any sense. Neither do the actions of the "love interest", Nicholson, or Walberg. At least, their motives are not at all fleshed out to the point where subtlety could make a meal out of these parts. But let's face facts- Scorcese is anything but subtle. However, for the Marty die-hards there is plenty of male posturing, violence, classic rock tunes, cursing, and minor plot twists (involving brutal violence, of course) to go around. To me though, the Maestro shoulda hung 'em up after Goodfellas....and The Departed is exhibit A.