Is there a major city in the USA where gangsters have not set up an operation? While I love films, I am also quite fond of television. Films are competing heavily these days with television for an audience. Television has improved so much in the last few years that there are many series which are far better than most of the films we see in cinema. Television also allows writers to explore a subject in a great deal more depth. I think that this is the way that 'Gangster Squad' should have been made. Almost all the time I was watching this film I kept thinking about the TV series 'Boardwalk Empire' and how that is a much better series than this was a film. The plot of 'Gangster Squad' is very similar to 'The Untouchables' which is another criticism. The characters are all so clichéd and typical of what you see in a gangster film. Nothing about this film seems very fresh or interesting. You know exactly where the plot is going (yes I know it is based on a true story) so there are no surprises or twists that keep you interested. The costumes look good and so does the scenery, but that's not enough to keep someone entertained.
Despite the lack of originality in the script Ruben has managed to assemble a pretty impressive cast for this film. Josh Brolin plays thte typical tough cop who plays by his own rules. He also has the typically happy family life that must come under threat for his rebellious behavior. Sean Penn is also doing a clichéd performance as the bad guy. It pains me to say something like that as I love Sean so much. Emma Stone is also playing the same clichéd gangsters mole role. The only one who looks like he was trying something a bit different is Ryan Gosling. He adds a slightly high inflection to his voice which I found interesting. The only interesting thing in the film.
Don't be fooled by the all star cast. This is a very boring and clichéd gangster film that does not bring any thing fresh to the genre.
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