Gangster Squad (2013), Ruben Fleischer

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Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Overall Rating:

(out of 5)

I sincerely enjoyed this film. I had heard some iffy reviews about it before going in, but I had been looking forward to seeing it for so long that I decided to go in with an open mind. I thought Sean Penn was absolutely brilliant; he was evil to the core. I never found myself bored, and it wasn't completely predictable. I loved all of the actors, and I would recommend this film to anyone who doesn't mind 'shoot-em-up' type movies with some sexy characters.

The Story:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Interesting

2 Points: Original

1 Point: Unpredictable

1 Point: OMGZ

A group of police officers and veterans in Los Angeles come together to try to fight a violent and powerful mobster from Chicago. 

Characters:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Well-Played

1 Point: Original

1 Point: Relatable

1 Point: Emotional Attachment

1 Point: OMGZ

Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn): A brute mobster from Chicago who will stop at nothing to gain control of Los Angeles and, eventually, all of California due to his own deranged version of Manifest Destiny.

Sgt. John O'Mara (Josh Brolin) : A veteran and officer who, despite the war being over, can not stop fighting until he believes his city and family are safe from the likes of Mickey Cohen.
Sgt. Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling): A quirky and fun-loving veteran and officer who falls in love with the beautiful Miss Faraday.
Grace Faraday (Emma Stone): Sexy and alluring, she attracts the attention of both Cohen and Wooters in her quest to become a 'star.'

Believability:

(out of 5)

1 Point: No Disbelief

1 Point: Well-Explained

1 Point: Characters Fit Conceivably

1 Point: Not Foolishly Omniscient

1 Point: OMGZ

Although not a true story, the story seemed conceivable.  Cops are constantly corrupted, even to this day.  

Weight:

(out of 5)
1 Point: Relatable Lives
1 Point: Relatable Choices
1 Point: "Wow" Moments
1 Point: Lasting
1 Point: OMGZ

I thoroughly enjoyed this film, but it isn't the type that will stay with you forever. It was well directed and had some great actors, but it was definitely more of an action flick than an eye-opening one.  

Visual:

(out of 5)
2 Points: Visual Quality
1 Point: Unique Visual Perspective
1 Point: Special Effects
1 Point: OMGZ

Very well done! Realistic special effects, and beautiful imagery.