Films from three different genres are opening this weekend, each one targeting a different segment of the film going populace. Which one will come out on top? Are any of them even worth seeing? There are very few, if any, weekends where there isn't one movie I have liked in some way. Maybe I am too easy too please, or am just too optimistic, whatever the case, there is always something to like, and this doesn't look to break the streak.
The Departed. (2006, 149 minutes, R, drama, trailer) This film has been getting some fantastic early word, evidenced by the 96% rating at Rotten Tomatoes. It is the first film from Martin Scorsese since The Aviator in 2004, and the first set in the present since 1999's Bringing out the Dead. The movie is a reinterpretation of the excellent Hong Kong originating film, Infernal Affairs starring Andy Lau and Tony Leung.
Scorsese has brought together a first rate cast, featuring Leonardo Dicaprio and Matt Damon in the lead roles, and also including Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg. The story concerns a mob mole undercover in the police department and a cop undercover in the mob, and explores the dangers of being in such a position. I am not sure how close it is to the original, but I cannot wait to see.
Employee of the Month. (2006, 103 minutes, PG-13, comedy, trailer) Comedian Dane Cook is riding his current wave of popularity on to the big screen. Dane faces off with Dax Shepard in a race to be the vaunted employee of the month and win the affections of new co-worker Jessica Simpson. I truly doubt that this will be any good. That said, it still looks like it could be funny, stupid, but funny. The supporting cast includes Andy Dick and Efren Ramirez.
Article comments
1 - Scott
I'd love to see The Departed, personally.
2 - Iloz Zoc
The director did a good job here. Given the excellent cast, and pretty tight scripting, it would have been difficult to goof it up. I definitely want to see the 2003 remake after this prequel.