Margaret here... Johnny Depp is struggling -- as much as anyone who commands a ten-figure salary and goes home to a private island can be said to be struggling. His last real hit was the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie in 2011, and it's been even longer since critics have had much nice to say about one of his performances. He's looking for a comeback, and it looks like he may have one in Scott Cooper's Whitey Bulger biopic Black Mass, due later this year.
Warner Brothers recently debuted footage of Black Mass at CinemaCon, and the buzz was very positive. The first official trailer was released not long after, which means we can now weigh in on whether the people who are starting to throw the O-word around are on to something, or just experiencing the power of low expectations.
trailer and YNMS breakdown after the jump
YES
- Adam Scott looks oddly perfect with a 70s mustache. It feels right.
- ....Hmm. Hmmmmmm. I'm going to need help with this section. Suggestions in the comments
NO
- Fans of the early footage have praised Depp for appearing unrecognizable, but isn't a funky hairpiece and heavy makeup kind of his signature look?
- Playing the role of The Girl is 25-year-old Dakota Johnson, and yes, a quick Google confirms that she's playing a love interest to 51-year-old Depp. Not sure whether to laugh or weep.
Adam Scott giving a 70s vibe
MAYBE SO
- Reading the synopsis gives one a powerful sense of deja vu. "1970s South Boston something-something Irish mobster something-something collaborate with FBI something-something ruthless gangster." This film is going to need a lot of fresh ideas, and a truly interesting central performance, to be more than just a two-hour cluster of tropes.
So far I'm a pretty firm "No". Who has convincing arguments to the contrary?