I have never written a review on movies before. The closest thing which comes to that is writing a critique on a research paper in school. And believe me, this is much more fun than that. For one, its something which I am not doing for a grade. And when I watch a movie, I have an opinion. Hell ya, I do!!!!

Contrary to the norm, there were comparatively few big movies released this summer. Da Vinci Code and Superman to name a few. And seriously speaking, I dont know if Departed was aimed to be one of the big ones. Publicity wise, there werent too many advertisements. TV trailers started just 15 days before the movie released. But then with a stellar cast of Jack Nicholson, Leonardo Di Caprio, Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg you dont have to spend too much on publicity. And if you spend 10 bucks just to watch these guys together, you wont come out disappointed.

Coming to the story, its based on the Irish mafia in the Boston area. The police department plants a rat (Leo) into the mafia. And to make things interesting, the mafia headed by Jack Nic, have their own snitch in the police department in the form of Matt Damon. Both, the mafia as well the police department know that there is a spy among them. However, each of them is unaware who it is. The plot builds up into an amazing thriller which I would not want to give away. If I did, believe me, you wouldnt appreciate it.

So rather than concentrating on the story, let me talk about why you should watch it. One obvious reason is Martin Scorcese. If you have grown up on his earlier movies like Casino or Good Fellas, then you would know what I mean. There's no doubt that there are gonna be a couple of Oscar nominations here. The direction is focussed and editing is tight. Once the intitial story unfolds, you would prefer waiting for a restroom break till the end of the movie.

The star of this movie is undoubtedly Leo DiCaprio. Personally, I thought that Leo could do only roles what we term as chocolate hero roles in India. But he delivers a powerful performance and overshadows everyone else. The best lines, though, are reserved for Jack Nicholson. Watch out the way he says those in a typical Boston-matter-of-factedly manner. Matt Damon cannot do much wrong when it comes to playing lead in thrillers. I was expecting a meatier role for Matt but, by the end of it, I wasnt complaining. The supporting cast of Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin is formidable in itself and, together, they do no disappoint.

Watch out for the scene where Leo talks about his trauma to the shrink and tells her how his hand is always steady. Also, feel the tension when Matt Damon calls on Leo's cell phone. Each of them know that that phone call is by the spy on the other side. The call gets connected but no one utters a word.

And if you from Boston (as I am), then you will love the sights you see. Right from Beacon Hill to Long wharf. I have added 440 (hope i got the number right) Washington Ave in my places-to-visit list.

Now coming to the negatives. Okay, I may be overwhelmed by the movie but to make the review interesting it was mandatory that there be negatives. The ending comes very suddenly (i refrained from using the word abrubt). There are too many things which happen in very less time at the end. Sudden it may be, but shocking it certainly is. See, I told you I would find a positive here as well.

I was waiting all summer for a perfect summer thriller. Summer went without it. But fall did not disappoint me.

Happy viewing guys!!!!