Gangster Squad

I was beyond excited to be finally getting a gangster noir picture. I cannot remember ever enjoying one at the theatre. September 2012 could not get here fast enough and then some jackass shoots up a theatre in Colorado, which was awful, delaying the release of this film by 4 months to allow the film's makers to do re-shoots and to cut a scene involving a historical event from the 1940's involving guns in a theatre. Doesn't make sense to me, but we can't always make everyone happy. It focuses on Mickey Cohen's (Sean Penn) rise to the top of the LA crime scene in 1949, and the cops commissioned in taking him down. All you need to do is have a look at the cast and you should be well aware this will be great. Headlined by a very smash mouth John O'Mara (Josh Brolin) and then on his right hip is the very soft spoken, doesn't even believe in his job anymore, Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling). These two guys are fire and ice. Then much like the fantastic film, "The Untouchables", they put together a group of guys that aren't afraid to die for badge and honor. Only difference is, The Gangster Squad is a completely off the books operation. No Honors and no badges. This film has everything that makes any film great. Action, Sex, History, Guns, Explosions, and of course, Ryan Gosling. It is fun, because of the execution, and what few comedy aspects you can have in such a highly dramatic film. This squad was not perfect right off the blocks. Not even close. Trial by fire is more like it. They got some traction and Mickey Cohen started getting angry. He started putting some pieces together, and end the end it was a battle of wills. Which side would give up first? Good vs Evil, and I cannot wait to watch it again. Some may argue this is not a true gangster movie. I agree. It is a cop drama that focuses on the good and less on the evil. Still immensely enjoyable, and at times, very gritty. If you are squeamish at the site of blood, you may want to skip the opening scene. I, on the other hand, saw it as a breath of fresh air in an industry scared to take risks in today's society. Top notch performances from everyone on screen, and the only disappointment I have is the lack of Nick Nolte. I understand why he could not be more present, but he is so awesome. 

NBM rates Gangster Squad - Phenomenal