Gangs of New York

A work of staggering ambition, grandeur and terrible beauty. In a word: majestic. BBC

Was I watching the same movie? With the exception of Daniel Day Lewis's pantomime (albeit powerfully portrayed) character, this film has little that is grand or beautiful. Leonardo DiCaprio's character seems bored by his situation for much of the film. Cameron Diaz at least looks like she cares, as she makes the best of a slight character. The gang-warfare scenes are fanciful - I was reminded of Mad Max 2 but without the humour.

I went to see this film for two reasons: I genuinely am interested in this period of New York's history, and have really enjoyed some of Scorsese's work in the past. I was disappointed on both counts.