Could it have been all the hype and awards won that elevated my expectations, only to have them left unfulfilled by movie’s end? I admit I am not a huge fan of Scorcese – his films for me are hit or miss. I do not mind the blood and guts, but the pacing I found slow, and I think the movie could benefit from tighter editing. In this movie, Leonardo was great, the only real standout, and his performance had me recalling the greatness he exuded in Whats Eating Gilbert Grape. The rest of the main characters were flat, if I even found them believable at all.

I found this movie comparable to Gangs of New York – bloody, gang-centered, test of loyalties, and just too too long.