Movie Review: Gangster Squad

A friend of mine wanted to see a movie and knowing I like to go to movies, off we went to see Gangster Squad. This is an incredibly well acted movie, depicting the 1940's in Los Angeles and how there was a special squad created in order to stop the mob - in particular Sean Penn as the Brooklyn-born mob king Mickey Cohen. Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, and four others band together to stop them. This squad is created by Nick Nolte playing the Police Chief. These four cops basically go undercover, perhaps the beginning of undercover policemen - who knows. In the end the leader of the group, John O'Mara played by Josh Brolin unfortunately, although alive, has to leave the police force while the others remain. But the fact remains they did their job, while losing two of their team.
How accurate this film is I don't know, but it certainly holds your attention. I found myself not looking at parts, I found myself blanching at other scenes and at times wondering why I came to see this. Yet I enjoyed it, I find that I'm much more sensitive to human pain, like punching, because I can imagine how that feels on the ribs, face etc. these days (Perhaps because I spent so long with pain).  But the interplay between them all was great. Emma Stone, as Mickey's Moll (remember that's what Mobsters gals were called, but in love with Ryan Gosling's character did her usual great job. Emma and Ryan had been together before and their chemistry together does work.
I can recommend this movie for those that don't mind the get down and dirty. There are some gruesome scenes in this, but by and large it is 'doable' for the faint of heart don't go. It does tell a story of those days, what went on and as they say at the end of the movie, to this day, the Mob does not exist in Los Angeles, or so they say.
3 1/2 out of 5.

The Ides of March

Every so often you hear so much hype about a movie that when you go and see it you are disappointed. This happened to me with this movie The Ides of March. Within a short time I had to give myself a talk and settle back to enjoy the movie. Once I realized this was not the best movie of the year (hopefully I don't eat those words) I enjoyed what was being offered. The cast was great. George Clooney, who also co-wrote and directed. Philip Seymour Hoffman, who was excellent in his role, Paul Giamatti's role small but well delivered, and Ryan Gosling as the young idealistic campaigner who because of events spelled out in the movie turns into a cynical, do what ever it takes campaign manager. The two women in the show, Evan Rachel Wood who plays the young intern and Marisa Tomei who plays the realistic journalist hold there own with this wonderful male cast. This movie really gives a glimpse behind the scenes of a political campaign. You can't help but be pulled into the life of Stephen (Gosling) which takes place over a short period. I love educational movies and this could be classified as a lesson on political campaigns and the back room deals and back stabbing from the different teams that goes on. You may think it, hear it, but in this movie you get to see it.
3 stars out of 5.

Movie Review - Drive

I recently heard a review of Drive and it whetted my appetite to go see it. Well I was not disappointed. Mind you if you do not want to see brutality, blood, anger or aggression you may want to stay home. But, if you want intensity, and an interesting story line which reminded me of some of Clint Eastwood's early movies, then this good be one not to miss. Ryan Gosling (one of our Canadian Ryan's) did an incredible job. Did he speak 100 words in the whole movie? I'm not sure, but his acting was phenomenal. Oscar worthy maybe? It's interesting how an actor does not have to say words but a movement of an eye, or a toothpick can speak volumes. At times I flinched with the brutality of it, most be getting soft in my old age, but the story line I appreciated. I especially liked it that they let the 'hero' live (or at least you think he lives - or does he).  I like to think he did. Cary Mulligan played the love interest as a young mother and who's ex-convict husband begins the 'trouble' in the movie as he, Ryan, tries to help them. Albert Brooks was definately the surprise playing the 'heavy' in the movie. He did a great job.
Yes if you like fast cars, can handle the brutality and blood - a good movie to see
3 1/2 stars out of 5.