Ryan Gosling and Sean Penn’s Biggest Disaster Is Now Streaming, Even If They’d Rather Forget It
“Gangster Squad”, a 2013 crime film starring Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin, Emma Stone and Sean Penn, is now streaming despite its poor critical reputation. The article argues that its expensive production, celebrated cast and gangster-film ambitions resulted in a lifeless and disappointing imitation of “The Untouchables”.
Set in 1949, the film loosely depicts Los Angeles police officers forming a covert unit to dismantle Mickey Cohen’s criminal empire. Despite a $60 million budget, the article criticises its weak script, wasted performances, clichéd romance, repetitive action and heavy reliance on slow motion; it also notes that reshoots followed the Aurora cinema shooting, though this does not explain the film’s broader lack of energy.
- “Gangster Squad” is now streaming despite its disastrous critical reception.
- The $60 million film was criticised for weak writing and direction.
- Its star-studded cast and gangster premise were largely wasted.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Gangster Squad can be defended as an entertaining, stylish piece of old-fashioned gangster cinema, with a strong cast, polished production design and energetic action set-pieces. Its straightforward morality, period atmosphere and heightened comic-book tone may appeal to viewers seeking spectacle rather than originality, and streaming gives it a chance to be judged as a light diversion rather than against its ambitious influences.
The case against
The film’s expensive production and talented cast suggest a more substantial result, yet its derivative plot, thin characterisation and clichéd romance limit its impact. Repetitive action, excessive slow motion and uneven performances make it feel like a polished imitation of better crime films, while the reshoots after the Aurora shooting may explain some awkwardness but do not account for its broader lack of narrative energy.