JASON EVANS' 100-WORD REVIEWS: Amsterdam

A script that makes no sense


Film critic Jason Evans has made it his mission to tell you everything you need to know about movies in less time than it takes to say “wow, that film has a lot of movie stars.” His reviews are exactly 100 words long (99 is too few and 101 would be too much). Here is his 100-word review of Amsterdam.

The Premise: Burt (Christian Bale), is a down on his luck doctor who became best friends with Harold (John David Washington) during WWI. The two of them spent several years after the war living with the beautiful Valerie (Margot Robbie) in Amsterdam until Valerie disappeared. When Harold gets hired by the daughter of a senator (Taylor Swift) to look into the death of her father, he asks Burt to help out. But the case quickly takes a turn and the two friends find themselves as suspects. They need the help of high society businessman Tom Voze (Rami Malik) and his wife (Anya Taylor-Joy) to help clear their names. But, when they go to Voze’s house, they are shocked to discover Valerie living there too. The reunited trio soon learns that their case may be just a small piece of a plot to take over the entire U.S. Government… all of which hinges on the help of a well-known retired General (Robert De Niro). Amsterdam is written and directed by David O. Russell (Academy Award nominee for The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Hustle). The film also features Chris Rock, Zoe Saldana, Mike Myers, and Michael Shannon in supporting roles.

The 100-Words: To merely describe this script as a mess isn’t doing enough. It feels like four or five plots rolled into one and none of them make any sense. The ridiculously talented cast cannot save it as they all seem to be in different films. Bale is doing comedy, Robbie is in a drama, and Washington plays everything so flat, it is like he is a robot. The film’s re-creation of the 1930s is gorgeous to look at,  but just too confusing to enjoy.  Russell’s movies are usually of award-winning quality, but this is easily the worst mis-step of his career.

Reach out to Jason Evans on Twitter @JasonDukeEvans

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