Gangster Squad

I saw Gangster Squad assuming it'd be disappointing, but it wasn't all that bad. Josh Brolin is the tough WWII vet who comes back to Los Angeles to raise a family. Sean Penn plays legendary gangster and L.A. terrorist Mickey Cohen. Ryan Gosling is the street smart cop who doesn't care, then a tragic event happens and he is all-in versus Cohen. Giovanni Rabisi is the wiring guy, Michael Pena, Anthony Mackie, & Robert Paatrick (T1000/ Agent Dagget) round out the list. They brutally take down Cohen's operations with brute force and it's entertaining. Emma Stone is sprinkled in as Cohen's Special Lady Friend who happens to feel like banging Ryan Gosling as well even though he'd do horrific things to them if he ever finds out. The story follows their gang through infancy, to coming together, to taking down Cohen. There's fighting, some shoot-outs, everyone is pretty good to be honest. There are a little too many cliches' and corny bits for my liking, it's more graphic novel than action/drama, but it's entertaining and pretty well-acted. The accent on Penn is a little bothersome for me, but maybe that's just me. If you do like action and period pieces, this is more Sin City than L.A. Confidential, but it's OK. Bottom Line: 6.8 out of 10. I wouldn't spend money on it, but it keeps you largely entertained for an hour and 50 minutes. Really solid cast helps you deal with the corny/unbelievable stuff.