Hostel - Two young Americans and their extraverted Icelandic buddy are backpacking throughout Europe until some shady freak in Amsterdam points them in the direction of an out-of-the-way hostel in Slovakia where the chicks are reputedly bonkers for foreigners. Once they arrive they find the chicks are indeed hot for foreigners but things at the hostel aren't quite what they seem. Eventually our adventurous trio discover that screaming, torture and gruesome ends are main tourist attraction and just when you think things can't get any worse the filmmakers kick the film into high gear. As far as horror films go Hostel isn't a classic but it had plenty of chills and thrills to keep me interested and on the edge of my seat throughout most of the film. Hostel isn't as well done as Saw or The Descent but is impressive nonetheless, especially considering its limited budget.

The Departed - Two young cops of different backgrounds and ideologies share a common bond in their connection to an Irish mob boss named Costello. The 'good' cop goes to great lengths to keep his true identity hidden so he can bring Costello down, the 'bad cop' does the same except his goal is to keep Costello one step ahead of the law.

First let me say that I believe that Martin Scorcese is one of America's greatest filmmakers. Secondly let me say that this 'one of the greatest' label only applies to the films he made before Cape Fear. Virtually everything Marty has done after Cape Fear is either forgettable or downright terrible. 'Casino' was forgettable, 'Bringing Out the Dead' was pointless and hollow, 'Gangs of New York' sucked eggs and 'The Aviator' was as soulless and shallow a biopic that has ever been financed by Hollyweird. Before watching The Departed I was hoping to catch a glimpse or two of the Scorcese of yesteryear, instead I got 2 1/2 hours' worth!

Everything about The Departed looks and feels like it was shot during Marty's heyday back in the 80s. Great performances (yes, even the mediocre DiCaprio impresses here), excellent direction and editing and a kick ass (although somewhat intrusive) soundtrack.

Hollyweird cheated Marty out of a best director Oscar for Raging Bull (hands down the crowning achievement of his career). Something tells me he'll finally get a golden statue for The Departed.