Black Mass

Depp is the new Whitey.

Black Mass tells the story of an unholy alliance between the FBI and Irish mobster James "Whitey" Bulger (Johnny Depp). It’s the true story of a relationship that allowed Whitey to evade law enforcement and become one of the most ruthless and powerful gangsters in 1970’s Boston.

After a decade of comical characters, Depp is back in form as Whitey. The makeup is unfortunately distracting at times, but for most of the film Depp becomes a very scary human. He steals every scene he is in. A key scene, where Whitey flirts and threatens FBI agent John Connolly’s (Joel Edgerton) wife, is one of the most chilling film moments of the year.

Black Mass isn’t a big film like Goodfellas or The Departed. It is a well-crafted, but predictable gangster film. In other words, it’s highly enjoyable.

Simply put: A solid gangster film and a return to (human) form for Depp.

Award potential: Depp will be a front runner until December, but I don’t think he will make the top five. He’s done too many silly heavily makeup characters to be rewarded for doing one well. Joel Edgerton has a shot for Supporting Actor. The film has a shot for one of the many Best Picture slots, but I don’t think it will go all the way.

The ten buck review: Worth ten bucks.

The Intern

Check out The Intern.

Nancy Meyers' films (The Holiday, It's Complicated, Something's Gotta Give, Private Benjamin) are so admirably consistent in tone, laughs and good vibe takeaway that audiences can always expect a good time. The only surprise I have to tell you is that this is one of her best.

The story is a little tighter. The silliness is kept to a minimum. And the kitchens are (spoiler alert) normal.

Having the precocious Anne Hathaway play a precocious founder of an online clothing company, who is coming to terms with her faults, was brilliant. It may be the first time I rooted for one of her characters. DeNiro, of course, plays the "senior intern" with ease. Thankfully, this is the nuanced, subdued Silver Linings Playbook DeNiro and not the Little Fockers one.

It's a light comedy, but it has a lot to say about life, relationships, ageism and second chances. I think it will play heavily on cable for years.

Simply put: Gray is the new green; it will be a hit. Plus, I expect hankerchiefs will come back in style.

Award potential: It's not Annie Hall, and it's not trying to be. There may be a place in the Golden Globes.

The ten buck review: Worth ten bucks.