Michael's Movie Grade: C
Ethan Cohen's new neo-noir is pure style over substance.
There is quite a bit to enjoy about this movie. The film has a great neo-noir feel and look to it that is simply a lot of fun to fans of the genre. This even includes some great noir style dialogue that pays homage to the classics without directly copying them. The cinematography and sets here are also wonderful bringing us a great sense of atmosphere. The cast is also incredible. Margaret Qualley is fantastic as a character, who is almost a female spin on Phillip Marlowe. Aubrey Plaza is wonderful as a deadpan police officer who ends up playing a major role in the story. Chris Evans truly steals every scene he is in with a role that allows him to go completely over the top. He is obviously having the time of his life playing this role and we have the time of ours watching.
However, once you get past this, the movie is completely hollow. The mystery doesn't make a lot of sense and is full of plot holes. The tone is wildly uneven going from over-the-top comedy to extremely gory action to serious drama. The silly parts feel at odds with how dark much of this movie gets at times. The social and political commentary is way too simplistic and doesn't really say anything. The humor is not funny at all.
There is a bit to enjoy about this movie, but it still is a real disappointment from Ethan Cohen.
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