Gangster Squad

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Harvey K @Harvey658 5d I can't find my tonsils under the couch but my mother has gone out See more Will G @Kingofthepixies Dec 13 I think they were looking for something in the vein of L. A. confidential. Some good actors trying and some just phoning it in. Sean Penn is terrible. The script was poor, the direction was on par with a rushed TV episode of something or other. Can't get over Sean Penns awfulness. See more thiago s @Thiagostone Oct 27 Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom See more Griffith J @griffithxjohnson Sep 24 It feels like an exaggerated, larger than life fiction rather than an interesting piece of America history. A wildly unfocused tone with heavy subject matter & ridiculous action sequences but there is a misplaced sense of fun that I do enjoy. A great ensemble cast that do their best to work with the over-the-top writing. Gosling brings surprisingly genuine laughs that are random yet hilarious. Everything looks convincing with the style, sets, & costumes bringing this era to life. See more kevenquinlan T @RT75276071 Jul 16 Well, Best cast ever assembled for pretty much anything, haha. The acting was great but Penn's character (not performance) was SO over the top, it was laughable/ Is he Mickey Cohen or a Bond Villain? It's trying to be noir- but isn't/ it's trying to be period- and is meh/ and it's trying to be serious- and isn't. I don't regret watching it but wouldn't ever want to again and wouldn't keep in my collection. Awful title too. This coulda been a massive hit had it been made a little more thoughtfully. See more Gabriel S @Sanarel 04/13/2025 Gangster Squad is a neo-noir crime film by Director Ruben Fleischer that attempts to blend aesthetic appeal with intense mob action, set in late 1940s Los Angeles. The film follows LAPD Sergeant John O'Mara, who is tasked with assembling an off-the-books squad to dismantle mobster Mickey Cohen's empire by any means necessary. This premise provides a solid foundation for an action-packed two-hour experience, though the story itself does little to break new ground within the genre. The film's narrative suffers from shallow character development and pacing issues. With a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes, much of the character-building occurs offscreen, leaving later emotional and moral dilemmas feeling detached and less impactful. For instance, O'Mara is presented as a loyal, hot-headed, and determined protagonist with a military background, making him a strong central figure. However, the secondary character, Sergeant Jerry Wooter, suffers from underdevelopment despite having the potential for a compelling subplot—his arc is rushed and resolved in an uninspired manner. Similarly, the antagonist Mickey Cohen’s character is mostly delivered through exposition, which diminishes his depth as a menacing figure. While the ensemble cast boasts several prominent actors, performances are mixed. Sean Penn's portrayal of Cohen is criticized for being overly theatrical and at odds with the character's background. On the other hand, the stylized presentation of characters, resembling comic book figures, adds a layer of visual coolness to the film, complemented by a jazz and swing-infused soundtrack. However, this stylistic approach often veers into a territory that feels more nostalgic and quirky than authentic or gripping. With a substantial $60 million budget, Gangster Squad certainly carries a blockbuster appeal, but its execution reflects Fleischer's television background, resulting in moments of misplaced humor amidst otherwise ruthless mob action. Critics broadly denounce the film for its lack of cohesion and depth, though some audiences, particularly on IMDb, appreciate its entertainment value. Despite its flaws, Gangster Squad ultimately delivers a straightforward, action-driven crime story with a satisfying—if slightly disconnected—conclusion. The film offers a nostalgic and entertaining watch for viewers seeking casual fun on a relaxed Sunday afternoon. While it may not rival neo-noir classics like Chinatown or L.A. Confidential, it provides a blend of testosterone-fueled adventure and aesthetic appeal that can hold the attention of its audience. See more Read all reviews

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