I saw "Black Mass" today starring Johnny Depp. GREAT gangster film about the life of James "Whitey" Bulger, played by Depp. I recommend it, and of course, it's a true story. As anyone could predict, it's quite violent, but as mentioned it's based on factual events.
Anyway, my point: As any ABB fan would, I had a huge sh*t-eating grin on my face RIGHT when the film began: It was Gregg belting out the first two verses of It's Not My Cross To Bear from the first studio record. That was it, just the first two verses, and right at the start of the film. I don't remember any more ABB material played in the film. How cool!
[Edited on 9/22/2015 by robslob]
Yeah, I saw the trailer and it is a good film.
I had a big smile too when hearing It's Not My Cross To Bear. Had to tell my two buddies that is the Allmans. Also heard two other great tunes, Rolling Stones "Slave" and Ten Years After "I'd Love To Change The World". I enjoyed the movie as well.
Would you consider this film on the level of 'Goodfellas' which to me is the top gangster movie based on true story? The trailer looks really good.
Would you consider this film on the level of 'Goodfellas' which to me is the top gangster movie based on true story? The trailer looks really good.
I'm actually not a fan of gangster films in general and therefore have never seen Goodfellas. Most of them to me are pretty much the same thing, and I get tired of that lifestyle being glorified in film. So, of course next you're going to ask, "Then why did you go see Black Mass?" A: Because the TV previews looked good, and it's a true story. But the clinching factor was that Depp was the star. He did not disappoint, he was spectacular, a very sinister character. And the makeup job they did on him was really outstanding. He looks MUCH older than he really is, and as alluded to, very sinister.
I think what I liked most was that you could follow the story line in this film; many films of this nature require you to almost have headphones on and catch every single piece of dialogue to follow what's going on. Without giving it away, I'll just say that the FBI plays a very prominent role in the story. There was much going on in Bulger's crime world, and his connections made him very difficult to nab. The acting is routinely sterling, including Kevin Bacon as the lead FBI agent.
[Edited on 9/22/2015 by robslob]
All I can say is if you are a real movie buff I would rent or buy a copy of 'Goodfellas'. It is an absolute masterpiece with an amazing cast and it is based on real happenings. If you watch it and don't love it I will refund you whatever you spent to rent it or buy it. I am that confident that you will love it. One of my all time favorites. Oh and a great soundtrack too!
What sixty8 said! Rob I can't believe you haven't seen "Goodfellas " It has to be one of the top films of all time. And it's based on fact. A girl I work with is actually kin to the Diniro character. I'm glad you liked "Black Mass". It's getting some pretty bad reviews. Critics claiming another flop for Depp and subpar to his performance in "Donnie Brasco."
What sixty8 said! Rob I can't believe you haven't seen "Goodfellas " It has to be one of the top films of all time. And it's based on fact. A girl I work with is actually kin to the Diniro character. I'm glad you liked "Black Mass". It's getting some pretty bad reviews. Critics claiming another flop for Depp and subpar to his performance in "Donnie Brasco."
I'll have to check out Goodfellas. I thought Casino was very good. FYI, not all the critics think Black Mass is a flop. 4 out of 5 stars for this one:
"Black Mass-Terpiece!"
By stvnwllms Written September 23, 2015
Johnny Depp takes us into the heart of darkness in his latest character incarnation as the crime king-pin James "Whitey" Bulger. The film is a deep inside expose in the "Good Fellas"/ "Godfather" genre depicting the complex immoral mind and motivations of a master criminal. The violence is matter of fact though not overly graphic, and there's a thin divide between the good guys and the crooks. This film ushers in another crime biopic coming out about The Krays, and is sure to win Depp a much deserved Oscar nomination for yet another uncanny transformation. I kept looking for the actor behind those cold and sinister blue contact lenses, and could barely see him! Benedict Cumberbatch gave a somewhat subdued yet intense portrayal as his loyal but legally up and up senator brother. The scene where Bulger is having a father to son talk at the breakfast table with his bullied kid is a hoot, giving insight into the ethos of "the left-handed form of human endeavor", CRIME.
Another 4 out of 5 stars:
Depp's Best Performance in Years
By stoddb33 Written September 20, 2015
Johnny Depp, one of the most well known actors of the modern age, has been on a, what seems continuous, cycle of putting on a bunch of makeup and acting strange and wacky. While not all of them are awful, most of them have been (I’m looking at you Mortdecai). Nevertheless, many were looking for the return of the actor everyone knows Johnny Depp can be. Though he does wear quite a bit of makeup in Black Mass, Depp ditches the shtick and delivers a creepy and shiver-inducing performance. FULL Review: iamsamreviews.blogspot.com
[Edited on 9/23/2015 by robslob]
'Casino' was pretty good but not even close to the same league as 'Goodfellas'. If you liked 'Casino' you will absolutely love 'Goodfellas'.
Thanks for the heads up, I'm currently reading "Where the bodies are buried" by TJ English. It's a book about Whitey Bulger, so far he's a real pile of feces.,,
Goodfellas is one of the few movies that if I'm scrolling around and it's on, i'm going to watch it. Whether it just started or it's halfway over or there's 17 minutes left. I won't go by. Gotta watch it. 
http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/black-mass-20150917
Another very good review, Rolling Stone this time.
