4) Killing Them Softly (2012) (Dir. Andrew Dominik)
What We Thought Before: A modern gangster pic with Brad Pitt taking the inspired lead as a charismatic mob fixer. What’s not to like? And with Andrew Dominik – who made the brilliant The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford – behind the camera, this thing is sure to knock it outta the park.
What We Got: Though it’s beautifully shot and acted, the film never comes together after the first hour, and insists on ham-fisted political intercuts that don’t fit with the material as seamlessly as the director thinks they do. There’s also a lack of drama, given that Pitt’s character is never required to exhume much energy. Ultimately, it’s a little dull and a little boring, especially when the characters seem to talk and talk and said scenes seem to go on and on and on. The plot, too, is extremely slight.
What They Should Have Done: Got rid of the unnecessary political avenue and emphasized the film’s inherent Martin Scorseseness. Cut down some of the longer scenes that have you checking your watch.
Redeeming Features: A spectacular opening twenty minutes, with a seriously tense and well-executed heist sequence. There were some great comic moments, too, though few and far between.
