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I visited the cinema last night for the first time in about a year (I’m struggling to think of the last film I went to see, in fact), to see the new Martin Scorsese film, The Departed.

This is a superb film in so many ways. Not least the sound track, which is exceptionally good and I’m busily trying to research right now. Doesn’t seem to be out until early November. It’s a top notch cast, including excellent supporting roles from President Bart… er… Martin Sheen, and Mark Wahlberg. Even Leonardo DiCarprio, of whom I’ve not really been a ‘fan’ since “Romeo & Juliet” manages a great performance.

But it’s really Jack Nicholson who steals it. This is probably Oscar nomination stuff (which, if it happens, would be his thirteenth nomination). His portrayal of the criminal Frank Costello is brilliant in its intensity and humour.

I like to think about how to rate a film, and it’s a 9/10 for me. It missed out on a full 10/10 because I felt the ending was a bit of a ‘cop out’. I won’t spoil it for anyone yet to see it, but I felt it concluded rather unexceptionally. That’s not to detract from it for it was still enjoyable and left you with a few things to think about. But the film makes up for this slightly un-inventive conclusion with the ride itself. Nice plot turns, excellent acting, brilliant direction, a marvellous sound track, and a film to truly relish from start to finish.

Yes, it’s violent. But it’s a marvellous film that, I think, is every bit as good as other classic ‘gangster’ movies. Almost certainly a classic.