Black Mass (2015)

Johnny Depp has never been creepier.  Even in his spooky collaborations with Tim Burton, Depp has never inspired the fear in me that he does as Whitey Bulger. That is how you know he gives a good performance. You feel the fear that the characters feel when in his presence, when be gets angry, and when the tension is released you can finally breathe again. His hair and makeup team did a phenomenal job as usual, making a complete physical transformation. This could be the year he finally wins an Oscar.

This is a classic gangster movie with a twist, complete with some guns (but plenty of physical violence), lots of blood, the rival Italian gang, and the brother with political power. Bulger is an informant for the FBI. He uses his position as a shield and his crony in the Bureau looks out for him. It is actually incredible how long they got away with this right under the nose of the FBI. The ensemble cast is very good; everyone puts on a thick Boston accent, even Brit Benedict Cumberbatch.  Joel Edgerton is excellent as the FBI agent that defends Bulger and his downfall unfolds slowly. It is a slow burn that let's the pain and panic settle in. I admit I had a little bit of difficulty following at times.

Parks and Recreation (2009-15)

There may never be another show like it. Lovable, quirky, subtle, and downright high-quality comedy.  It never really caught on with mainstream America.  It's really a miracle that it lasted this long--we could thank NBC for not canceling the critical darling despite its low ratings.  With 30 Rock, Community and The Office gone, Parks and Rec was the last show of the former Thursday comedy bloc.

At first glance, the idea is mundane.  Pawnee, Indiana in the middle of nowhere.  The Parks and Recreation department in the local government.  A show about small-town bureaucrats; this is what government is really like.  What made it work was its diverse cast of characters led by the talented Amy Poehler playing a crazy, detail-oriented, ambitious, obsessive Leslie Knope.  This show has had an indelible impact on our culture: from the stoic, outdoorsy, anti-government Ron Swanson and his mustache to Donna and Tom's yearly "Treat Yo Self" and the immortal Lil Sebastian.  This show has created stars out of Aziz Ansari, Aubrey Plaza, and recently Chris Pratt has exploded.  And it managed to get huge guest stars, including Michelle Obama, Joe Biden, and Madeline Albright.  Whenever the show took a trip to Washington, you could be sure to see a slew of Congressmen make appearances.

The sixth season finale made a time jump into the future showing us how Leslie and co are doing.  It brings back everyone and ties up their stories.  You get a sense that the producers weren't sure if they were going to get renewed.  I would've been totally satisfied it it ended right there, but I am so glad it had one final hurrah.  The final season was very emotional and continues with the time jump.  It hilariously makes up technologies and history that no one could disprove because it's in the future.  I watched the last four episodes in a row and I teared twice.  The first time was when Leslie throws one last celebration, banners and all, for the newly appointed mayor of Pawnee (a familiar face).  The second time was at the end, when the gang has a reunion, and best friend Ann Perkins returns.  The series finale is fitting.  At every moment of physical contact, we get a time jump, seeing how each character fares in the future.  It's very creative, well edited, and a perfect close to a brilliant show.