Director: Ruben Fleischer
Writer: Will Beall (based off novel by Paul Lieberman)
Starring: Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, and Sean Penn
‘Style over Substance’
Screenplays are vital parts of movies. They are used to introduce characters and orchestrate dialogue throughout films. If a script does not have interesting characters or sufficient dialogue, a movie is bound to suffer.
This is evident in the case of Ruben Fleischer’s “Gangster Squad”, an entertaining but very flawed action movie. The first time I heard of the film, I immediately dismissed it as a typical, formulaic one. The reason for this was that the title sounded unintentionally ridiculous. Yet when I looked at the cast of the movie, it was filled with fresh, admirable actors that never disappointed in any way.
However, while the actors gave passable performances, they were certainly wasted in a surprisingly disposable action movie.
Ruben Fleischer’s approach to making this film is absurd. Along with screenwriter Will Beall, he chooses style over substance, which seems like a decision made for entertainment purposes. But it is only entertainment driven and that is a huge problem when you’re producing a period piece that is based on true events. The movie represents typical disposable filmmaking from Hollywood, as it is nothing but a money-maker film. Taking into account the talented cast involved in this movie, it is surely a disappointment.
To state the positive first, the movie does succeed in bringing to screen the specific time period. The costume designs, sets, and makeup are skillfully shown through impressive cinematography. As a result, you are transported to the late 1940s completely.
However, there are just not enough positive components. Following a ridiculous approach, the director infuses immense style into the film with slow-motion action sequences, but where is the substance? Will Beall’s screenplay only consists of undeveloped characters that aren’t interesting or distinct, while the story itself is constructed in predictable fashion. Nothing makes up for any of this, not even a talented cast.
Sean Penn certainly tries to come across a menacing villain, but his character is so one-dimensional that he is displayed as ridiculous. Here is a great actor who is very miscast in the role of gangster Mickey Cohen. Penn has immense talent, but all he ever accomplishes is becoming a terrible villain because of the script.
Ryan Gosling and Josh Brolin are two fantastic stars who are just as wasted as Penn. Their characters have uninteresting story arcs, and although it is fun to watch them, they have given much better performances in the past. A role can make a big difference for any actor, because if the character is not fleshed out, the performance is ultimately affected.
As a whole, “Gangster Squad” is strictly pop-corn entertainment lacking proper writing and direction. Due to this, the movie suffers tremendously. In the cast, the actors seem out of place and misused in their roles.
In my opinion, they are confused about the subject like the filmmakers themselves.
2/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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