Negative Positive
Title: Academy Award -- why?
Review: I just watched this movie on HBO and was extremely puzzled and disappointed. Disappointed because I could not follow the confusing plot at all. Flashbacks and generally choppy editing made it impossible to get drawn into this plot. Puzzled because I have no idea why Martin Scorsese got an Academy Award for this film, except (as popular belief holds) it was finally "his time" and they decided to give him one before he died. This movie made no sense and is full of pointless profanities and violence.To me, the movie mainly serves as a signal that Jack Nicholson needs to find a different part to play other than Jack Nicholson. In this movie, he just plays what he's been playing for 20 or 30 years now -- some sarcastic, bitter SOB who is totally evil. Then he collects his fat paycheck for another "acting" job.Avoid this movie! It's all hype and little payoff.
Is the review positive or negative? 