Gangster Squad (2013)

Gangster Squad, 2013. Film. Directed by  Ruben FLEISCHER.
USA: Warner Bros.

This action/crime drama tells a story set in 1949 Los Angeles as a determined crew of officers attempt to take down the merciless gangster Mickey Cohen who has been running the city. Inspired by real events, this film is packed with exciting locations, vintage cars and pays clear attention to the period details in the classic costumes and design of the sets. Ruben Fleischer’s film clearly has the potential to be a successful modern take on the gangster classic however I believe it was merely mediocre.


The entire cast of Gangster Squad are known to be excellent actors and many of their characters throughout the film had the potential to be extremely lovable. Sergeant John O'Mara (Josh Brolin) is hardworking, honest war hero and the leader of the Gangster Squad. O’Mara’s pregnant wife Connie (Mireille Enos) is supportive and likes to spend time with her husband even if it includes lending a hand in finding him suitable officers to help with his duties. Sergeant Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling) is a laid back, ladies’ man and is initially cynical of O’Mara’s work. Grace Faraday (Emma Stone) is Cohen’s mysterious lover and Jerry’s love interest. Finally Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) is a brutal criminal with a thirst power and will not stop at anything to expand his empire. In general, the relationships between the characters is where I find the story becomes most interesting however the constant (and sometimes unnecessary) action sequences reduce their screen time making the connections weak and evaporating any signs of commitment or chemistry. Whilst all of the actors have their moment to shine, I truly believe the all-star cast are underused and that this plays a key part in the films downfall.

In terms of the plot, Gangster Squad is a little unorganised and the characters often jump from careful planning to fighting, with very little warning. Although the film looks the part, the story is hidden behind the many action sequences that have been heartlessly thrown into the plot meaning the film’s success relies almost lazily on the constant blaze of tommy guns, jump cut editing and overused slow motion shots. However, the whole film isn’t a complete let-down. There are well thought out sequences throughout the film such as when the squad are secretly wire-tapping Cohen’s house and the technically effective car chase. The powerful opening with Brolin’s voice over is reflected at the end giving the illusion of a stable narrative and leaving you feeling joyfully satisfied even though you might not have necessarily understood the majority of the last 108 minutes.

As I have recently found a love for Coppola’s The Godfather I may well be sceptical of this fast-paced drama however I do believe that Gangster Squad is a very Hollywood take on film noir and clearly suffers from an obvious identity crisis as it jumps from serious fight scenes to unexpected gags. The Zombieland director is visibly out of his element as the comedy specialist takes on the challenge of a semi dramatic narrative and what I sincerely hoped would be a new favourite of mine has been enjoyable but perhaps too inept for an encore. 




Recommend to: Anyone who is a fan of a member of the cast

                           Anyone with a bit of spare time