DVD Review: Gangster Squad

It's 1949 in Los Angeles. A ruthless, maniacal crime boss has almost total control over the city until one cop puts together a team of men, working outside of the law, to take him down at any cost. Excellent concept; but does it deliver? Check out our review to find out.
PLOT

When you hear the plot of Gangster squad and especially see the trailers, it's hard not to get excited. After all, both give you the idea of an Inglorious Bastards type of adventure. The good guys going after the bad guys without the usual movie hero moral code. The mind quickly drifts to action sequences and blood spatter with a huge "F**k Yeah!" moment at the end where the villain is gloriously defeated by our flawed heroes. When you watch the movie itself, though? Not so much. Sure, there is some of those elements here, but most of the movie is largely unsatisfying. Especially if you go into it expecting that type of story. The most interesting part of the story is the part that takes place in a montage. When its over, we find ourselves right back into the slow, drawn out drama of it all. Even when things begin to pick up, they are immediately halted by scenes that just feel ill-placed.

DIALOGUE

The dialogue in this film is mediocre at best and down-right gringe-worthy at worst. In an effort to immerse you into 1940's America, it piles on the old-timey phrases and cliches mixed with vague, philosophical musings that make no sense at all. The only redeemable dialogue is spoken by Micky Cohen (Sean Penn), and even then it's only passable because it gives the character so much life. Not because of anything that is actually said.

VISUALS

Gangster Squad wins with its visual elements. The lighting, the sets, the color pallet, the costumes. All of these elements work beautifully to leave the audience with a real 1940's feel. But importantly, it doesn't go overboard and doesn't feel super-stylized. Instead it feels like it should which makes you feel like you're seeing through a clear lens at the history unfolding.

CHARACTERS

The characters in Gangster Squad are well fleshed out enough, but you never seem to connect with them, with the exception of Josh Brolin's character. The film focuses on Sgt. John O'Mara (Josh Brolin) and Sgt. Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling). While Brolin and his character are strong enough to carry the film, the time spent with Gosling's character feels wasted. He is a one act pony in this show where there are so many others who can take the stage. Because of all the wasted time, you don't feel connected at all to the other members of the gang. So when there is danger? Oh well. I don't really care about that guy anyway.

ACTION

IMDB calls Gangster Squad an Action Crime Drama. That being said, this film is sorely lacking in any compelling action and, I'd argue, any compelling drama. So all that's left to enjoy here is the crime. But honestly, if that's what you want, go watch Public Enemies. It's much better.