Gangster Squad – This is a graphic novel of a film – not quite to
the extent of Sin City, but pretty
damned close and almost as good. In this case, heroes and villains are
intentionally paper–thin characters engaging in a violent, action-packed bio of
gangster Mickey Cohen’s reign in Los Angeles and a dirty half-dozen gang of
cops determined to take him down. Directed by Ruben Fleischer, and beautifully photographed by Dion Beebe, the movie was released in
2013. Sean Penn (Cohen) and Josh
Brolin play the main adversaries. Ryan Gosling, Nick Nolte and Emma Stone
are also among a large and talented cast.
Blood Ties — Despite its blue-collar roots, the film relies on
story and character as much as plot. In other words, if you are looking for an
action film, you’ve come to the wrong place. This is a tale of two brothers —
one a decent cop and the other a guy who just can’t walk a straight line. The
family bond brings them together and their shared past tears them apart. Both of their lives are in danger. Love, honor and loyalty are explored in
depth. “What would you do?” is the
question you are left with. Leave it to
the French influence to make you work and not tie it up in a neat little bow at
the end. The film, also released in 2013, was directed by Guillaume Canet, based on
Jacques Maillot’s Les Liens du sang. Clive
Owen and Billy Crudup play the
brothers. Marion Cotillard, Mila Kunis and Zoe Saldana also star. James Caan is excellent as the brothers’
father.
A little sustenance while you watch? For Gangster
Squad, pretend you are at a table at the nightclub, Slapsy Maxie’s, and
order the cocktail of your choice. Shirley Temples are okay. There’s nothing highbrow about Blood Ties (except for its philosophical
questions), so break out a six -pack of something. For both films, stay alert for new and
innovative ways of saying the F-word.
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