Lame to the point of lame...DOES NOT CONTAIN SPOILERS

Rating: 3/10 (3 November 2014)

In this self proclaimed psychological thriller, Jake Gyllenhaal plays the loathsome unemployed Lou Bloom, who with out a lack of better words reminds me of the charismatic yet wicked Ted Bundy, looking for a quick trip to the fast lane and will do anything to get there. With the help of his newly hired assistant Rick, played by Riz Ahmed, they speed through the city of L.A. looking for bloodstained crime scenes that they can monopolize on for a paycheck. Unfortunately they find more than just a few obstacles along the way. One being seasoned nightcrawler Joe Loder, played by Bill Paxton, who also will do whatever it takes to be the next big opening story in local news. Bloom soaks up journalistic advice from Nina Romina, played by Rene Russo, to get ahead of the game, doing so by any means necessary and the goal is the more gore, the bigger the score. This movie had great potential, but did not follow through to the end...or even from the beginning for that matter.
While the action and sadistic nature of this movie were top notch, it was overshadowed by an anti climatic supporting cast and script. Gyllenhaal was superb to the point of award worthy, but there was nothing else in this story to write home about. He made me appreciate the non remorseful fast talker with the incessant need to succeed that he was drafted to portray. Russo attempted to do her part, and while she has some commendable scenes, she just did not fit the entire bill for me. Paxton couldn't even bring me the joy that necessary for me to thoroughly enjoy this film and he is among my list of favorite actors. If you are a Gyllenhaal fan, then this movie may just be for you. The role of Bloom was interesting and engaging, but with a slow start and a less than desirable crowning point, this movie did not keep me on the edge of my seat.
I give this movie 2.5 stars. Let us hope that the next time director and writer Dan Gilroy decides to put out a potential blockbuster that he surrounds his well qualified protagonist with those that will allow him and the movie to radiate the silver screen.