Grade: B
“Gangster Squad” takes a step in the right direction from my last few film experiences. “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and “This is 40” left me focused on the more interesting phenomenon of my numb butt than what I was watching on screen.
“Gangster Squad” set out for one purpose and that was to entertain, not to make a realistic portrayal of the gangster Mickey Cohen’s reign in Los Angeles.
The film has a little bit of everything for an average audience member looking to be entertained. It has humor, it has action and it has a little romance.
“Gangster Squad” revolves around legendary mobster Cohen and a secret, undercover Gangster Squad assigned to take down Cohen’s empire.
The film has the bad guy character, Cohen (Sean Penn), the suave guy, Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling), the quiet hero, John O’Mara (Josh Brolin) and the leading lady, Grace Faraday (Emma Stone).
Set in L.A. in 1949, “Gangster Squad” establishes O’Mara as a guy who has fought in World War II and could not get out of the mindset of needing to save the world from evil.
O’Mara sacrifices all he has, specifically his pregnant wife, to save Los Angeles from Cohen’s takeover. His interactions with his wife make him personable and develop his character as a true hero.
Penn definitely stands out in “Gangster Squad” with his performance. His portrayal of Cohen as a ruthless mobster was devilishly brilliant. There is no hint of morality or mercy in the character and that’s why it is necessary for the Gangster Squad to take him down.
Gosling plays his character so well, even stealing Cohen’s girlfriend at one point, that he had me giddy throughout.
The movie is not trying to be a full-out gangster movie and it makes that clear with multiple one-liners throughout the film, mostly delivered by Gosling.
I have read many reviews claiming “Gangster Squad” is borrowed material and full of clichés.
What film isn’t these days?
I rarely watch more than a handful of movies each year which leave me thinking, “That was a truly original film.”
And those that do, I see nominated for Oscars and Golden Globes.
“Gangster Squad” plays off of a familiar story — yes, there is no denying it. But it is the humor and the acting that brings this film its personality and originality.
It keeps a quick pace, not lingering on one scene or emotion too long, but it’s fitting for the film. Thankfully I did not walk out of the theater with an unnecessary numb butt like the last few times.
I suggest going to see “Gangster Squad,” but leave the children at home — it is rated R for a reason.
Tell Erin your thoughts on “Gangster Squad” in the comment section below.
