This true story follows FBI agent Joe Pistone as he infiltrates the mafia of New York. Befriending Lefty Ruggiero, Pistone (under the name Donnie Brasco) is able to embed himself in a mafia faction lead by Sonny Black. Ruggiero and Pistone become tight as the group goes about collecting money for 'the bosses'. Eventually, the group become big time when Black himself becomes a boss, all the while Pistone collects evidence. However, the trials and tribulations of the undercover work become more than Pistone can bear. His marriage falls apart and to top it off, the mafia suspect a mole in the organization. The real dilemma is afforded to Pistone, who knows if he walks away from the mafia, Ruggiero will be the one punished.
I gave this film a third try and it still didn't do it for me so I think I'm finally done with DONNIE BRASCO. I know a lot of people enjoyed this film but for whatever reason, it never excited me. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. Al Pacino was his usual great self as Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero. Here's the first problem I had with the film. When we're introduced to Lefty in the beginning of the film he comes across as a big mob guy/bad motherf*cker. But very quickly into the movie his character to me becomes soft and by the end, almost a p*ssy. Secondly, Johnny Depp, as much as I love him didn't impress me at all really with this film. Sure he got the forgeddaboutit line done cold, but other than that I thought his performance was kind of stale. Also, Michael Madsen did a fine job but I don't think he had the same charisma that so many people loved from his Mr. Blonde character in RESERVOIR DOGS.
