7/10

Rating: 7/10 (14 October 2015)

Another crime drama/gangster film that succeeds in being a well crafted two hour movie, with even a couple of good cues for discussion, but doesn't reach a status to which you can point at anything original, particular or genuinely interesting that will distinguish this from the bunch.
Yet, not to discredit this film, it does have many points to its favor. Firstly all around we have a cast built of well know actors, but at no point you feel like its only for shock value. Everybody is really good, there are a string of well crafted performances. Honestly I have never been the biggest fan of Johnny Depp, his role as Jack Sparrow is something unique in my opinion, but for the rest he never really left my mouth open. Now, this is definitely one of his better performances and a really good one on its own, but it is nothing earth shattering. He manages to give his character a presence on screen that feels the way it should, but there is no heavy weight that really makes you sweat or sit on the edge when he is on screen. The standout is definitely Joel Edgerton and even if this isn't his best work, he proves the talent that he has been accounted for many times. Plus you are treated with a couple of scenes where the actors are just shown playing an interesting setup out and those are where you truly get the creeps, unfortunately there really aren't enough.
Sticking to why the film is actually good, it takes advantage of its story to put forward moral dilemmas and discussions that don't feel forced and are welcome to the conversation. Now, there isn't anything really deep or something that will keep you thinking for days, but the thoughts it stirs whilst playing are captivating and will keep you going through the whole film. At no point you will be shocked, but at many points you will feel a good dose of adrenaline and tension that will keep you sticking with the characters and being interested in the final outcome. It is just a dynamic that works for storytelling and the filmmakers don't get in the way of it with pointless or overly emphasized stuff.
That by the way could also be the big negative the film bears: it simply isn't exciting and it isn't exciting because the filmmakers don't really put a passionate effort into it. It plays as you expect it to and there isn't anything to be found that gives it an interesting beat or a through line for it to be stimulating once it ends. It shamelessly copies, yes copies not imitates or quotes, "The Godfather" and "Goodfellas" in some scenes and the fact that I noticed it so clearly really says something since I am not a fanatic of those films to being with.
If you are a fan of the crime-drama genre you will certainly find something to sink your teeth in, but on the other side you will be served a good piece of filmaking with some standout moments and performances, but will leave not sure you got what was promised.