Gangster Squad: ****

This definitely took me by surprise, I entered the cinema expecting something dull and averagely gripping but of course I was proved very wrong! Gangster Squad provides a sleek, stylish and intriguing story line with a bunch of interesting individuals. The characters are the main ingredient in this film, they really do make it. With violent criminals you will love to hate, devoted family men and a passionate romance this film really does make good entertainment. The plot seems quite simple as there's one ultimate bad guy, and a team of vigilantes who are the good guys trying to take down the bad guy. But what really makes this picture seem realistic and emotionally capturing is the sub plots. We get to know the lead figures' wives and children and feel a sympathy that creates a strong bond between viewer and character, and there's definitely something for both girls and boys here. You have the action and cool slick-style of 1940's gangsters for the males, and the sophisticated relationship between Stone and Gosling for the females. Ryan's good looks is a massive bonus too, eye candy in it's finest. I really found Stone's character 'Gracie' interesting, she portrayed a split performance of damsel in distress and brave, strong heroin. She was victim to some classic mental abuse being treated as no more than a possession to the villain Mickey Cohen, and her story saw her overcome this, although not single handedly i might add.  A small warning before viewing: Gangster Squad did also surprise me in the fact that there was a lot of blunt violence! But it all added to the depth of the characters and tension of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and was kept on the edge of my seat during some intense scenes. I fully recommend.


Rating: 4 stars
Highlight: The lead baddie Micky Cohen, and the line 'You know the drill'
See if: You're into crime films/action/ romance and a little comedy. As you can see, there is a little something for everyone here!
Don't see if: You're sensitive to violence, or don't fancy focusing on a organised crime based film.