 Sony Pictures // Buy from Amazon.comPosing as jewel broker Donnie Brasco, FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone (Johnny Depp) is granted entranceinto the violent mob family of aging hit man Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino). When his personal and professional lives collide, Pistone jeopardizes his marriage, his job life and, ultimately, the gangstermentor he has come to respect and admire. From acclaimed director Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral), and featuring an extraordinary supporting cast including Michael Madsen, Anne Heche, BrunoKirby and James Russo. I remember how excited I was when "Donnie Brasco" first came out to theaters -- Al Pacino AND Johnny Depp in a gangster flick?! Sure hit, right? Shoooooooot. I don't think I've ever been that disappointed in a movie - it's not that it's a bad movie, because it's not, or that the acting is lousy, because it's first-rate -- it's that this is just a long, drawn-out snoozer of a drama, with zero "Goodfellas" and too much yap-yap-yapping. Ultimately, I just didn't care, and that's a fatal flaw that'll sink any film. Here we have an "Extended Cut" - I don't know what was added, but this film did seem even more drawn out than I remembered, so whatever they cut back into the edit, it only dragged the pain out that much more. It's really too bad, as it's a well-made film, with solid acting and really well-crafted visuals -- I just.... didn't.... care. I thought perhaps, having not seen the film since that first very-forgettable experience in the theater, I might enjoy it all these years later, but no such luck. Onto the next one... Video Delivered in a pristine 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, this DVD looks fantastic from start to finish. Audio A very nice Dolby 5.1 surround mix is included, but as this is mostly a talkie, don't expect your surrounds to flex their muscles all that much. Extras Closing Thoughts I suppose a well-intentioned, but ultimately snoozer, of a film + some decent extras = only for the die-hard Pacino (or Depp) fans out there Labels: review |
