9/22/2015 - Black Mass (2015) - 6+/10

This story of Whitey Bulger was a fine and well-crafted film, but in totality, did little to add to the genre nor provide a strong enough narrative to bring it into a "great" category.

Depp's performance as terrific, if not terrifying. His return to form was mesmerizing, thugs I was so often taken by his eyes. His bright blue contact lenses overshadowed so much of my vision. They were venomous snake eyes, the eyes of a demon; not those of man. I suppose in that sense, they were perfect. But rarely is a film made off of a performance alone.

The whole cast was quite strong, with wonderful performances all around. The direction was concise and yet, artistically poignant. A sense of the grime of Boston in most of the frames.

Well done and finely delivered. Perhaps a bit plodding in its expanse and proceduralness, slowing the pace down a bit more than I would like. Also, though fascinating and enjoyable, other than the acting, there isn't much we haven't seen before.

Personally, I think I liked the more personal and homey previous work of the director "Out of the Furnace". There is a sincere and close feel in that film, one that Black Mass doesn't give, keeping you at arms length as history plays out.

Now, though I am down sounding, I did like this film. The acting and shots are great. Just not enough to be a full 7 or 8. Good though.