Gangster Squad follows a group of policemen in 1940s LA who work outside the law to bring down one of the city’s most notorious mob bosses, Mickey Cohen.
Mickey Cohen is a real life gangster, and though I’m not sure how closely Gangster Squad will follow the true story, it does seem he’ll be mostly accurately portray (this time by Sean Penn) as the top mobsters in LA during the 40s, with his hands in almost every form of illicit activity you could find. He also had a TON of power, both with his thugs, who were plentiful, and his bribing of numerous public officials, from politicians to police officers.
Because he is essentially untouchable, a small group of good policemen who are without fear decide to operate outside of the law to take Cohen down. They’ll lie, cheat, steal and kill to get him. This vigilante group is known as the gangster squad. They kick some booty.
Gangster Squad
Gangster Squad is being directed by Ruben Fleischer, who has a sort funny background to be making a film like Gangster Squad. His main successes are comedies Zombieland and 30 Minutes or Less. Not exactly hard hitting crime dramas. Oh well.
Gangster Squad was written by Will Beall and based on the book by Paul Lieberman.
Gangster Squad Trailer
Movie Release Date
TBA 2012.
Pictures
Who’s In It?
Ryan Gosling … Sgt. Jerry Wooters
Emma Stone … Grace Faraday
Josh Brolin … John O’Mara
Sean Penn … Mickey Cohen
Giovanni Ribisi … Conway Keeler
Mireille Enos … Connie O’Mara
Nick Nolte … Bill Parker
Michael Peña … Navidad Ramirez
Robert Patrick … Max Kennard
Anthony Mackie … Coleman Harris
Frank Grillo … Jimmy Reagan
Josh Pence … Darryl Gates
Derek Mears … Goon #1
Sullivan Stapleton
Holt McCallany … Karl Lennox
Brandon Molale … Jimmy Knox
Ambyr Childers
Troy Garity
Jonny Coyne … Grimes
Jeff Wolfe … Giovanni Vacarezza
Jon Polito … Dragna
Maxwell Perry Cotton … Charlie
James Carpinello … Johnny Stompanato
Austin Highsmith
What’s Good About It?
The trailer for Gangster Squad is pretty badass, and after Drive I’ll watch anything with Ryan Gosling. Also, I’ll watch anything with Emma Stone, but only if she’s sitting next to me and we’re watching it TOGETHER. AS GOD INTENDED.
What’s Bad About It?
The only thing that gives me pause about Gangster Squad is director Ruben Fleischer. I’ve liked his other stuff, it’s just that those were comedies. I worry about his abilities as a dramatic director.
Our Clever Prediction
I think Gangster Squad is going to be a decent success commercially, but a bit more successful critically. The trailer looks awesome, and we haven’t had too many gangster films recently. I think the cast is outstanding, and the story looks good.
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