The Red and Black

"The Departed" marks the return of a Martin Scorsese film to the big screen, and it does not disappoint.

The film revolves around the story of Irish mob boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) and his mole in the Massachusetts State Police, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon). Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is an undercover cop in Costello's ring trying to bring him down and figure out who the mole in the police force is.

As if his job wasn't hard enough, Costigan also must keep Costello from discovering his real identity as a cop. Costello is aware of an undercover cop in his ring and is constantly on the lookout for him.

The acting in the film is fantastic. Nicholson's performance stands out as the best. He is very believable as the ruthless, extremely racist Costello. Nicholson's performance is so realistic that if the acting profession hadn't worked out for him, he probably could open his own crime family and be extremely successful.

Despite the film's dark plot and violence, it is surprisingly humorous at times. These humorous moments help "The Departed" rather than hurt it.

Between bar fights caused by cranberry juice, and clandestine meetings in porn theaters, these humorous moments and others help to create a very well balanced film.

Officer Dignam (Mark Wahlberg) also adds to the humor with his filthy mouth and perfect ability to always get the last word.

This does not mean that "The Departed" is a comedy; it has enough blood to satisfy Charles Manson.

The fight scenes are well done. Many are reminiscent of Scorsese's classic film "Goodfellas."

Of course, they are extremely violent, with unsuspecting people getting beat with everything from shoes to coat racks. However, the violence isn't just for shock value, and it helps to drive the plot.

"The Departed" is also full of plot twists that are not far-fetched or hard to keep track of, so the plot never becomes confusing.

Don't think you have the ending figured out halfway through, though.

"The Departed" saves one final plot twist that is nearly impossible to see coming.

After all the twists, the film reaches a satisfying (albeit blood-soaked and brain-splattered) ending that will be worth your eight bucks.

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