Review of Gangster Squad (2013) by Edd J — 25 Jun 2013

When the trailers of Gangster Squad first appeared, I was apprehensive. Afterall, I am a sucker for gangster flicks and with a strong cast lineup, nothing could have possibly gone wrong for a movie which had so much calibre.

Director Ruben Fleischer, the mastermind behind the excellent 'Zombieland' brings to life the downfall of mob king Mickey Cohen. The intend seems right and the source material couldn't have been better.

However, the execution seems to be begging for more. While the movie starts off on a strong note, it's the second hour that leaves it's audience begging for more. The director seems to lose interest in his own material and the flaws start to crop up.

There is a hint of humor amidst all the action and drama which doesn't suit the proceedings and in turns degrades the quality of the material. While the proceedings are perfectly paced, it is the execution and story-telling that separates this film from the best.

'Gangster Squad' is great on the eyes. The setting is brilliant and the star cast couldn't have done a better job. Sean Penn as Mickey Cohen is outright evil and intense. It's a character that needed more screen time and the movie on a whole would have worked wonders.

Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin and Emma Stone make up the rest of the talented cast and they play there parts to perfection. 'Gangster Squad' is by no means a bad film but it doesn't do much to stand out from the good.

Despite it's flaws it's a movie worth watching.