THE DEPARTED

The Pros:

It is pure Scorsese, compelling and violent with an excellent story and cast. In my opinion, this is his best film since Goodfellas.  I am finally convinced that Leonardo DiCaprio is a damn good actor; his intensity is off the charts in this one.  The star power is overwhelming but none of the talent is wasted or over the top…except for Mark Wahlberg.  Vera Farmiga (who looks like a Sarah Jessica Parker/Robin Wright Penn hybrid), more than holds her own as the sole female lead among the big boys.

The Cons:

The editing is distracting. I realize that it is a Scorsese characteristic, but certain scenes and songs were poorly cut and did not transition well. I had the same issue with Gangs of New York (well, that and the casting disaster that was Cameron Diaz).

THE ILLUSIONIST

The Pros:

Paul Giamatti should be a shoo-in for a Best Supporting Actor nomination. He seems much more comfortable as a character actor; he has mastered the art of disappearing into his roles and inadvertently steals the show more often than not.

The Cons:

The movie is a rental, not an experience you need to see in a theater. The other film about magicians in turn-of-the-century Europe, The Prestige, comes out soon and will undoubtedly do better at the box office. Not only did it have more than double the budget of The Illusionist, but it reunited Batman Begins director Christopher Nolan with Christian Bale and Michael Caine. Oh, and two other folks named Hugh Jackman and Scarlett Johansson co-star. And some icon named David Bowie.