Review of God's Pocket (2014) by Jeffrey M — 22 Nov 2014

What aspires to be an insightful dark comedy drama actually turns in to a 90 minute misery ride in God's Pocket, a film's whose depressing nature is never earned nor fully appreciated, left adrift by a narrative that never strikes the balance between drama and comedy. Set in a blue-collar neighborhood, named God's Pocket, we follow a Mickey Scarpato, who spends his time between low-level high-jacking and gambling. An unfortunate 'accident' of his step son soon finds things spiraling out of control for Mickey.

Mad Men star John Slattery's directorial debut is one that seeks to be authentic, and to strike the delicate balance between creating a bleak atmospheric tone and an offbeat humor that keeps the audiences appreciation. What happens instead is that the film never establishes itself apart from the bleakness. We are continually told how dreary and dark the neighborhood is, and we see the complacency, the dullness of its inhabitants, yet we never grow with the characters. It's never particularly funny, and the film doesn't seem to offer any real insights. What we do get feels clichéd and familiar, with no real distinction.

For its part, the cast has a solid showing. Being one of the last roles of Philip Seymour Hoffman, he is doubtless perfect for his role, as a gruff, yet sensible man in a tough world. The supporting cast is strong as well, yet their efforts do not make up for a script that doesn't inject any humanity, uniqueness, or humor in its subject.

2/5 Stars.