Is Martin Scorsese America's greatest living filmmaker? He's certainly bolstering his case with The Departed. The film, which is a loose remake of the Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs, tells the story of two moles, one of whom (DiCaprio) a cop undercover within a Boston crime family led by Jack Nicholson, and the other (Damon) a hood who has infiltrated the police department. Critics say Scorsese has created a crime drama with the gritty authenticity and soupy morality that infused such past triumphs as GoodFellas, with outstanding work from an excellent cast.

The lives of wage slaves are often grist for the cinema's mill, whether comic (Clerks), dramatic (One Hour Photo) or both (The Good Girl). Now comes Employee of the Month, starring Cook as a slacker at a Costco-like box store who whips himself into shape when attractive new hire (Simpson) comes on board. Critics say the movie has a few good laughs, but Cook and Simpson lack chemistry, and the film doesn't do much beyond showing employee antics.

For horror fans who are interested in the origin of Leatherface, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning provides some back story on the Lone Star State's scariest resident. It also provides oodles of gore, and a style reminiscent of the original. Unfortunately, the critics say it doesn't provide enough scares to make the experience worthwhile. The plot involves a group of young adults headed to Mexico for a good time before two brothers go to fight in Vietnam; naturally, Leatherface curtails their enjoyment in a hurry. The scribes say the film is a little too rote, and doesn't cut deep enough. Find out what else is playing this week.