Gangster Squad Review
RYAN: This movie is finally here! I feel like we’ve been waiting forever.
CAROLINE: It was originally supposed to come out in September 2012 but then got pushed back due to the Dark Knight movie theater massacre. It contained a scene with shooting in a theater which has since been removed.
RYAN: And they may have done some reshoots as well. But it was so worth the wait. This movie is phenomenal. It’s already my favorite movie of the year.
CAROLINE: [laughs’ It’s the only new movie you’ve seen this year.
RYAN: That’s true. But still this movie is brilliant. I loved everything about it and every second of it. It’s shot and edited in such a dynamic way. There are awesome slow-mo shots and cool angles and interesting editing choices.
CAROLINE: That’s cool.
RYAN: One scene even employed a sort of old skool Batman TV series type of “POW!” and “BAM!” kind of thing. Not with words, but with an actual type of freeze frame edit. This movie’s kinda genius.
CAROLINE: Rave, why don’t you.
RYAN: I will, thank you. It’s deserving.
CAROLINE: Ok get to the performances already. Sean Penn. Go.
RYAN: Outstanding. That’s the thing about the release date change. I think this movie would have gotten some awards season love had it come out last fall. But opening now it’s totally going to be forgotten by November.
CAROLINE: Probably, but anything is possible.
RYAN: I know this sounds crazy, but this could already make my top 10 list of 2013.
CAROLINE: Yes. That is completely premature, but go on. And if it’s as good as you say, it’s really cool to get such an amazing movie in January. I don’t ever remember that happening.
RYAN: Right? Sean really creates such a good character, based on a true person. And the makeup is great. It kinda reminded me of Madonna’s Dick Tracy movie but much more realistic.
CAROLINE: I don’t know how Sean would take that statement.
RYAN: Ryan Gosling is also fab and it’s so nice seeing his on-screen romance with Emma Stone again. They still have terrific chemistry.
CAROLINE: Yeah we liked them together in Crazy Stupid Love. What about my boyfriend Josh Brolin?
RYAN: He is superb and he looks great. He’s really the star of this one. But every supporting character is a great casting! Giovanni Ribisi, Michael Peña, Nick Nolte… all there.
CAROLINE: That is impressive.
RYAN: Strange about Nick though, his voice is crazy gruff. I don’t know if he was just putting it on like Christian Bale as Batman or if there’s actually something wrong with his voice.
CAROLINE: That might be some good acting… or not.
RYAN: This film is very well paced. It’s violent in a shocking way. I literally gasped aloud a couple times at mob activity but it was thrilling like that. And the sets, costumes, hair… all so so good.
CAROLINE: I really wanna see this now.
RYAN: This movie is just stacked! Every level, all elements… it’s excellent. I enjoyed it so much I almost felt euphoric a bit. I know that sounds kinda dramatic but I really just loved it.
