Gangster Squad: An Unexpected Throwback to “The Expendables”
In 1949 Los Angeles, a group of desperate cops takes matters into their own hands, embarking on an unsanctioned mission to bring down Mickey Cohen, a charismatic, scar-faced ex-boxer who has seized control of the city. This ruthless gangster tears his rivals apart, smirks menacingly, and refines his manners under the tutelage of a “femme fatale” mistress. However, these badge-shedding cops have a few tricks up their sleeves, offering a blend of brutality and personal charm that might just be enough to turn the tide.
The gangster film genre is often a balancing act. On one hand, it caters to fans of machine-gun fire and gritty action. On the other, it aspires to the heights of cinematic artistry seen in films like “The Untouchables” and “Once Upon a Time in America.” In this context, director Ruben Fleischer’s (“Zombieland”) “Gangster Squad” feels somewhat incongruous, offering little in the way of surprise or originality to the seasoned viewer. The posters promise something akin to a blend of “The Untouchables” and “L.A. Confidential”? That’s pretty much what you get. The only real surprise – and not a pleasant one – is the film’s unexpected resemblance to Stallone’s “The Expendables.”
Behind the Scenes
- The scene from the film’s trailer depicting the ambush of the “hunters” in a movie theater was reshot and re-edited following the tragic shooting at the premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises.” This also led to a delay in the film’s release.
- Sean Penn spent three hours in the makeup chair each day to transform into Mickey Cohen.
Performances
The lead actors – all respected and accomplished – seem strangely reluctant to engage in the very qualities that earned them their reputations. Josh Brolin and Ryan Gosling didn’t rise to fame through mere action roles, but through their ability to inject even lighthearted Hollywood productions, like the recent “Men in Black” films, with a touch of genuine dramatic depth. Here, they, along with Robert Patrick, seem primarily to revel in the opportunity to wear stylish retro costumes and throw punches, occasionally forgetting that they’re not on a fashion show runway. Sean Penn is a partial exception, completely outshining the “good guys” in terms of performance. However, even in his case, Mickey Cohen – one of the most dangerous gangsters in US history – comes across as a cross between Nicholson’s Joker and Pacino’s Tony Montana, more of a comedic showcase than a serious acting portrayal.
Final Verdict
It’s not that “Gangster Squad” is a bad film. Seeing Josh Brolin on screen is always a pleasure, the machine guns rattle satisfyingly, and the visuals are pleasing with their subtle retro-sepia tone. However, it’s important to understand that the plot, which could have been a compelling gangster epic, has been reduced to something akin to an old comic book found in the attic.