The true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston, who became an FBI informant to take down a Mafia family invading his turf.
Compelling and powerfully acted, with just enough wrinkles to avoid the ghosts of gangster movies past. Depp's appearance might distract some, but it's good to see him back in the groove.
Though the women could be stronger and the accents occasionally jar, cooper’s study of moral corruption enthrals. The Johnny-ssance starts here!
Johnny Depp plays real-life Boston gangster Whitey Bulger in a preening, macho drama that brims with confidence and verve.
Black Mass is a triumph of sorts for Depp...As a gangster movie, though, it is a frustrating and strangely dour affair.
It feels a little old-fashioned and a lot like countless other true-life stories that we’ve witnessed over the years.
More than just a performance showcase for Depp (and Edgerton), the film really gets into the complexities of how crime works, showing how its cancerous form is able to spread in a society that’s toxic from the top down.
A compendium of dull gangster shenanigans which shirks hard reality at ever turn.
Bulger may be uniquely awful but his story is very familiar and it doesn’t help that there is no one to root for.
The result packs a nasty gangland punch, but lacks the Corleone clout necessary to back up its much-discussed blood-and-honour themes.
Black Mass: How the life and crimes of James 'Whitey' Bulger brought out a striking performance from Johnny Depp
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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