Score one for Scorcese

After "Gangs of New York," I wondered what the heck Scorcese saw in Leonardo DiCaprio

But now, after "The Aviator" and his new fantastic mob flick, "The Departed," I get it. He sees in him what Hitchcock saw in James Stewart -- it's a presence ... an everyman, but with an edge.

Scorcese certainly shows his edgier sides in "The Departed," an amazing achievement for a director who exploded onto the scene in the '70s with "Mean Streets" and "Taxi Driver."

Is there a director of his generation hitting this kind of late-career stride?

Certainly Woody Allen's film "Match Point" showed him getting back in the game, although he missed the ball with his latest, "Scoop."

Spielberg, of course, remains vital, if controversial. "War of the Worlds" had some great tense moments, but was certainly a minor work for him.

"Munich" put him back on track, and, for some reason, I'm looking forward to "Indiana Jones 4."

Clint Eastwood, who started in the same era as an actor, has turned into the guy to watch with "Million Dollar Baby," a made-for-TV-calibre story elevated to Oscar level by outstanding performances and direction.

I'm looking forward to "Flags of Our Fathers" and "Letters from Iwo Jima," two films, told from different perspectives, about Iwo Jima.

So, I guess there are some Scorcese contemporaries also doing amazing things later in life, which is a great thing for us babyboomers. We grew up with these people, and it's encouraging to see them still going strong.