Gangster Squad, it's a classicGangster film with the backdrop of a 1940's Los Angeles. The plot centers around EastCoast gangster Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) who plans to take over the City ofAngels and Sgt. John O'marra (Josh Brolin) who fights at all costs tokeep East Coast Mafia types out of L.A.
To suggest it closely resembles The Untouchables with a touch ofLA Confidential is fair. The similarities between the two films run deep.
The acting is above par across the board even if the storyline was at best predictable. Josh Brolin is a perfect fit for any film set in the 40's & 50's and this film is no exception.
Sean Penn's portrayal ofMickey Cohen is both believable and over-the-top, and slightly cartoonist, but it works!
Along side Penn is Sgt. JerryWooters (Ryan Gosling), who's an alcoholic, phoning it in Detective with an accent, that's so strange, it almost takes away from his performance. Emma Stone co-stars as GraceFaraday who adds a bit of a spark to the movie as well.
The plot revolves around a secret and merciless LAPD squad who use guerilla tactics to combat a rising empire. The cast was solid with standout performances by Sean Penn and Josh Brolin.
So what about the action? Well, as far as action is concerned this film did not disappoint. There were authentic shoot out scenes, which left most fans amazed and giving much respect to the endurance of the Gangster Squad.
Not to mention, beautiful cinematography, which is sure to be a classic in the gangster genre.
Evan Bernhardt contributed to the content and review in this report.
This movie has been given 3.5/ 5
Run time: 113 minutes
Director:
RubenFleischer
Writers:
WillBeall, Paul Lieberman
Stars:
Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, RyanGosling and Emma Stone
