The Departed (2006)

Never have I disagreed more with the Academy than when The Departed won four Oscars.  Truth be told, 2006 was not a very fabulous year for really fantastic film (there were a few, but not many).  However, none of the best films of that year were even nominated for Best Picture.  So instead of something good winning, we got The Departed instead.

Ok, to be fair it wasn't bad.  In fact, as a movie it worked on many levels.  It was fun to see such a great cast working together, and the last little bit at the end with Mark Wahlberg made the whole film worthwhile.  But the errors started piling up, from writing shortcomings to massive continuity goofs.  The sheer amount of filthy language (including every possible racial slur) and intense violence is enough to put anyone off.  To be honest, some things were so bad (perhaps "lazy" is a better word) in the technical aspects of the movie that the awards for best editing and direction completely baffled me.  "Oscar," I started to think, "must be in on the take."

The 79th Academy Awards was such a joke, and the punchline was The Departed.  So many better movies were available: Pan's Labyrinth, The Prestige, Cars, and Blood Diamond all come to mind (ok, so I'd have been just as upset at a Blood Diamond win, but hey, it WAS a better movie than The Departed.).

Bottom line: Not a bad movie, but should never have been Best Picture of any year.

Entertainment: 5/10
Artistic Value: 6/10
Technical Merit: 4/10

Overall: 5/10