Whether you’re a die-hard action movie fan, or just a typical moviegoer looking for a thrilling movie experience, “Gangster Squad” will have you at the edge of your seat. Romantic, action-packed, and even saddening at times, it’s not an over-the-top, stellar thriller movie but it is definitely worth watching.
From the opening scene, viewers witness the harsh nature of crook Mickey Cohen, played by Sean Penn, as he uses force and cruelty to gain more and more power in 1950s California. Money, women, fame, and power — Mickey has it all. His glamorous, yet sinister lifestyle enrages few people — those who are bold enough to find his existence a threat to the city of Los Angeles.
Sgt. John O’Mara, played by Josh Brolin, rises up as one of the few who decide to stand against Cohen. Despite the great risk of losing his own life, leaving behind a family, and failing to bring down Cohen, the sergeant courageously accepts the task he is given by the police chief. Under the chief’s orders, O’Mara assembles a small, secret group of trained officers which operates for one purpose and one purpose only: drive Cohen out of Los Angeles.
As the battle unravels between O’Mara’s squad and Cohen’s men, bloodshed is inevitable. However, through these very battles, the true bravery of the gangster squad’s members is brought to light. Perhaps, the men had something worth fighting for — peace throughout the city, pride and honor, or even, loved ones.
Every great movie has a love story. In this one, viewers follow the romance of Sgt. Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling) and Grace Farraday (Emma Stone). It so happens that Farraday is one of Cohen’s various women. This heightens Wooters want and need to destroy Cohen’s name. However, it also makes the couple an easy target for the movie plot’s selfish criminal, Cohen.
The fight for Los Angeles becomes exceedingly difficult for the squad as Cohen’s empire expands. In the end, the audience cringes as the movie’s plot intensifies through sudden twists and turns. Empathetically, viewers may feel moved by the easily relatable love drama between Jerry and Grace, who have trouble keeping their emotions under control as the struggle to suppress Cohen intensifies.
Does the squad find success in bringing him down? The memorable final scene reveals that. This movie is based on a true story; the tremendous valor and violence reflected throughout this film may make this hard to believe. The courage exemplified by the gangster squad is humbling and well portrayed by the actors. The amount of bloodshed? Perhaps a bit excessive, so do leave the kids at home for this one.
The movie contains many quotes and pieces of advice that some viewers may find interesting, while other viewers can find great pleasure in the amassing amount of action. For viewers who are easily moved, sadness may overcome them as they watch the plot unfold. However, by the end of the film, no matter how emotionally strong or weak a viewer is, he or she will definitely have witnessed a full dose of intense romance, melancholy and violence.
