Depp digs deep in “Black Mass”

 

Scott Cooper’s “Black Mass,” a gripping, entertaining film from first frame to last, chronicles the criminal’s rise to power, told by those who knew him best — his colleagues, his enemies and those he manipulated like so many toys at his disposal. Based on the book by Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill, the film has a familiar narrative arc. What makes it stand out in a sea of gangster epics are the brilliant performances from the veteran cast that’s been assembled, especially the two leads — Johnny Depp and Joel Edgerton — who bring life to a pair of men who were more alike than appearances would indicate.

“Black Mass” proves to be an engrossing examination of the corrupting influence of not only power but of personality as Bulger’s aura was such that he was able to tempt weaker men with the promise of the sort of life he had, all the while making it seem glamorous and justifiable. What those such as Connolly failed to realize was that in order to succeed as Bulger did, they had to be void of conscience, a quality that thankfully few men truly possess.

For a full review, go to: http://www.news-gazette.com/arts-entertainment/local/2015-09-17/chuck-koplinski-true-depth-depp.html

“The Gift” one of the year’s best films.

Smart, uncompromising and timely, Joel Edgerton’s excellent new thriller “The Gift” is a sly little film that mirrors its main character in all the best ways.

Unassuming and deceptive, the movie slowly sucks you in, leading the viewer down what seems a familiar path, only to play against expectations, shunning the more sensational aspects of the genre to ultimately deliver a humanistic tale of abuse and its effects on both the victim and perpetrator.

An exercise in psychological terror, “The Gift” is a potent reminder that the sins of the past are often never truly laid to rest. While Gordo may insist — ironically — that “it’s really important to not look back,” this sort of denial only compounds the potential harm that may befall us if we refuse to acknowledge and rectify our mistakes.

Powerful and haunting, “The Gift” will resonate with viewers far after the final credits roll, as its climax features the greatest offense, that of trespass of the mind, body and soul, leaving its characters irreversibly damaged. Edgerton goes for broke here, and it results in one of the best films of the year.

For a full review, go to: http://www.news-gazette.com/arts-entertainment/local/2015-08-06/chuck-koplinski-haunting-gift-one-years-best-surprises.html