Black Mass (2015)
Black Mass – Based on the true story of one of the most notorious gangsters in U.S. history.
Johnny Depp————————————————————————————James “Whitey” Bulger
Joel Edgerton———————————————————————————–John Connolly
Benedict Cumberbatch————————————————————————-Billy Bulger
Dakota Johnson——————————————————————————–Lindsey Cyr
Kevin Bacon————————————————————————————-Charles McGuire
Peter Sarsgaard———————————————————————————Brian Halloran
Jesse Plemons———————————————————————————–Kevin Weeks
Rory Cochrane———————————————————————————-Steve Flemmi
David Harbour———————————————————————————-John Morris
Adam Scott————————————————————————————–Robert Fitzpatrick
Corey Stoll—————————————————————————————Fred Wyshak
Directed by Scott Cooper.
Screenplay by Mark Mallouk and Jez Butterworth.
Based on the Book ”Whitey” by Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill.
This incredible true story revolves around James Bulger (Depp) and John Connolly (Edgerton) who grew up together in South Boston. Each would grow up on either side of the law, Connolly with the FBI and Bulger would lead the Winter Hill Gang. Connolly approaches Bulger with a proposed alliance that would help both men succeed. Bulger conspires to work with the FBI and what ensues is an onslaught of crime where no one can touch Bulger as he rises to be the kingpin of crime in south Boston. Connolly is promoted through the ranks of the FBI and all along he works with Bulger to make sure his best informant is not taken down.
Edgerton does a masterful job of walking a tightrope between the law and helping his friend avoid prosecution. There are some excellent scenes throughout this movie like when Bulger asks John Morris (Harbour) for his family’s secret recipe. When Bulger checks on Connolly’s wife who said she was sick and went to bed (she just did not want to associate with criminals in her own home), the first time Kevin Weeks (Plemons)goes for a drive with Bulger, and Steve Flemmi (Cochrane) picking up his stepdaughter from the police station are more great scenes. Jesse Plemons gives a very good performance throughout this movie and has taken great strides past his “Breaking Bad” role. Rory Cochrane who left “CSI: Miami” gives an equally improved performance that will land him more roles in the future. Johnny Depp is excellent once again and drives this movie like a superstar should.
For me, the time flew by while watching this film and that is a very good thing. The story moved along seamlessly from scene to scene keeping the audience engaged throughout. Scott Cooper has made a very good film and he should be proud.
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Runtime: 122 Minutes
Production Budget: $53,000,000.
Box Office
Domestic: Not Finished Run Yet.
Worldwide: Not Finished Run Yet.
CC Rating: 8 out of 10
Screenplay: I could not find the screenplay.
Directors’ Previous Movies: Out of the Furnace, Crazy Heart
If you liked this try: The Departed, Heat, The Town.