Review of Live by Night (2016) by Ian G — 27 Jan 2017

Live by Night is Batfleck's return behind the camera since his Oscar win for Argo and time under the cowl, in what I am assured is a let's keep him busy until his next picture obligation for Justice Leaque and the Batman by taking elements from the Godfathers, Scarface, and accidently I am sure Dick Tracy due to the color palette of some of the costumes and one particular suit worn by the lead, I have a feeling it may have been a better film if Batfleck stayed behind the camera for this one with a lead with more range or at least emotional depth to pull of the moral dilemas faced within the story of a supposed good guy being sucked in by the crime families in order to get by amidst changing climates for the prohibition era, rise of gambling, racial tentions and the like.

The cinematography is top notch yet again by Oscar fav Robert Richardson which I am sure was on loan from Tarintino, and the climatic gun battle is also very sharp along with great wardrobe, but just the tone and lack of personality outside of Affleck's normal movie star persona seems to be at a loss which unfortunately makes this one a bit of a snoozer.

Good elements but could have used some more punch. Meh.