Review of Black Mass (2015) by Richard S — 15 Aug 2016

It turns out if you wait long enough Johnny Depp will eventually make a decent movie again. I've read other reviews that have had issues with the historical accuracy of this biopic but you get that with most films based on true events.

For a movie about the Boston criminal underworld and for sheer entertainment value I thought it was very decent, with Depp giving his best performance in years. This is as far removed from the recent wacky and lovable characters he has played as you can possibly get.

Here is a cold, dark, creepy and psychopathic Depp and he is superb in the role. One scene in particular reminded me of the superb Goodfellas where Joe Pesci asks Ray Liotta "what do you mean I'm funny?" and the scene slowly develops from relaxed banter to full blown unbearable tension, here the scene revolves around the revealing of a family secret recipe.

Maybe an idea borrowed or a tribute to one of the greatest in the genre, either way it works. An unrecognisable Depp back on form, well worth seeing.