Black Mass

Johnny Depp at his best! It's great to see Johnny back after all those failures and even in such a demonic performance. The story is interesting, and it almost always is if you tell a story about the most feared gangster. The film also has a very enjoyable pace, a raw delivery at times and the highlight is the dinner at a table of friends where the tension hangs in the air and makes makes you feel sick, yes that's how disturbing Depp is. The finale, typical of these gangster biopics, is also pleasing, giving real details of all involved. If you like gangster films, you should be satisfied. 80%. (10/22/2015)

The biggest mafia screw-up in a long time. A film absolutely devoid of drama and suspense, without the much needed period filler to create the right atmosphere. If it weren't for Johnny Depp with a ton of makeup and a couple of stars in supporting roles, I'd think Scott Cooper had moved into pure B-movie waters. Gone is the rawness and industrial cover of Out of the Furnace. Here they feel that a few period costumes and some decent murders will be enough, but no. The film is almost devoid of music and the little there is, well, Junkie XL doesn't know which way to go and his score fits more into mystery horror than a gangster flick. The characters are absolutely devoid of energy, with a monstrous amount of audience alienation. This material had massive potential, but it would have had to be handled by a more sophisticated filmmaker. It's a bit remotely reminiscent of American Hustle with the costume design, and that one also had a lot of wasted potential, but Black Mass wants so badly to be American Gangster, yet it's not even remotely that. (11/21/2015)

Valuable for mapping real events. With a plethora of stars (why did Kevin Bacon disappear from the big screen?), but dramaturgically weak, Black Mass is dull, with only one or two scenes that really get to the viewer. Depp’s transformation, however, is chilling and admirable. (11/25/2015)

Not great, but very watchable average. I understand that not everyone can be Scorsese, but this narrative flows on a wave of blandness, with only three interesting scenes in the whole film, until you start wondering about the wasted potential. And then the well-known truth that a film is as charismatic as its lead doesn't help either. It’s a pity, because Depp is amazing. His piercing, sinister look and the way he speaks will make you crawl across the table in fear. Great job, Johnny, it's a shame the film itself can't keep up with you. (04/05/2016)

Johnny Depp is slowly ceasing to be an actor I would necessarily seek out. For example, I was almost looking forward to this movie more because Benedict Cumberbatch is in it. On the other hand, Depp took the opportunity to play something different and he succeeded. What didn't work were the masks, which at first glance I found horrible. And at second glance. How to watch a moving wax museum. (01/18/2016)