Southies...

The Departed…

I admit it. Freakin Marky Mark can act. I don’t know why, but he has always been the actor I love to hate. Now I don’t admit this often, but in a rare occasion, I am can be mistaken. He has really changed from his bubble gum bad boy image with the funky bunch to be one of Hollywood’s best actors. The rest of the cast for the Departed was also stunning on set. As usual, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Wahlberg all made the characters quite real, and extremely funny. I guess this was the most surprising aspect of this film as I found myself laughing through most of the movie.


A few years ago I got to visit Chicago, which is the site of one of my favorite movies the “Blues Brothers”. As I drove around Chi Town, I made my way to “Lower Wacker Drive”. Instantly I began laughing as I remember the scene from the Blues brothers being chased throughout the city of Chicago. Suddenly the silver screen did not seem so far distant, and that “movie magic” could be touched. The Departed had this same affect on me because it was filmed throughout the Boston Area. For those who have visited Boston, the film takes you through the city and into the neighborhoods as though you were walking up Beacon Hill. Less than year ago I visited Boston for the first time. I was shocked by how much history was in the city, but even more impressed by how well the cultural areas are preserved. As my guide took me around the city I got to see so many attractions and was able to get a deeper appreciation for the Bostonian culture. This movie brings this culture to life through its subtle expression of cultural art. Needless to say, those movie guys know a thing or two about putting on a good show!!

I definitely recommend this flick to all who enjoy a different look at a gangsta flick or for those who love the city of Boston, either way you will be entertained!!