Gangster Squad

       There have been many wonderful gangster movies over the years. This is not one of them. But that isn't to say you won't have a good time watching "Gangster Squad".

            First of all, it has a great cast led by Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling and Sean Penn. It also features Emma Stone, Robert Patrick, Michael Pena, Anthony Mackie and Nick Nolte. Second of all, it has plenty of action. What it lacks is any depth.

            The look and feel of the period is right. The story is "inspired" by real events but it's all flash and no substance. Ms. Stone is miscast and Mr. Penn plays the gangster Mickey Cohen in a cartoonish performance complete with cartoon makeup.  The dialog is pretty silly and there are plot holes galore but it's still fun to watch Mr. Brolin and company take on Mickey Cohen and his thugs. 

             January is traditionally a dumping ground for Hollywood and "Gangster Squad" definitely has that "sat on the shelf" feel but it's expiration date still has a few weeks left. You could do better (rent "L.A. Confidential") but you could also do a lot worse.