2012 | 18+ | 97 Mins | Dir: Andrew Dominik
Jackie Cogan is an enforcer hired to restore order after three dumb guys rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse.
Definitely one for mob-film fans with Brad Pitt, James Gandolfini and Ray Liotta turning in great performances in an ensemble cast of great talent.
Dominik does a great job of using brutal, violence sparingly and understands that the tension in the less chaotic moments is vital to make some of the films harsher moments feel earned.
The film doesn’t follow one perspective and shifts its focus a lot which for the most part works incredibly well to show the chain reaction to the intro robbery scene. I think more time with Scoot McNairy and Ben Meddleson’s characters in the middle of the film would have helped to pack more emotional weight as the two are established so well and then take a back seat to make room for some of the bigger faces.
I heard very little going into this and was very pleasantly surprised. Quite a slow burner and dialogue heavy but very enjoyable even if the end message is a little too on the nose for some.
STARRING: Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, James Gandolfini, Scoot McNairy, Richard Jenkins
BEST QUOTE: "America's not a country. It's just a business... Now f****** pay me"
FUN FACT: Richard Jenkins' character is never seen stood up in the film
IF YOU LIKED: The Departed, Donnie Brasco
Joe Gist
Creative Director
Blink Vivid
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