Director Ruben Fleischer takes on more serious fare with Gangster Squad, based on true events revolving around gang activity in Los Angeles in the late 1940s. Fleischer's recent efforts include Zombieland and the lackluster 30 Minutes or Less, so everyone's wondering whether he'll be as adept with a period piece as he is with zombies and pizza delivery men.
Even if Fleischer doesn't have the chops to pull it off (I have a feeling he does), at least he has a great cast, one of the year's most impressive in a year full of fine ensembles. Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Nick Nolte, Anthony Mackie, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Stone star, the latter two reuniting and rekindling their amazing chemistry from Crazy, Stupid, Love. (New Hollywood on-screen power couple? I wouldn't mind.)
Based on the subject matter and the cast (particularly Penn, who's an Academy favorite), the movie has some built-in Oscar buzz. Is it still buzzing after this trailer? Yes, but much more quietly. The trailer is fine, and has me excited for the movie, but there's something off about it. Namely: the use of rap. The anachronistic music totally throws off the tone, but presumably, such transgressions won't take place in the film itself, so there is still hope. In fact, Carter Burwell is doing the score, which is yet another reason to be excited.
Gangster Squad hits theaters October 19.
No comments:
Post a Comment