The most often remembered element of a film is its cast. Writers and directors like the Coen Brothers and more recently, Rian Johnson (Knives Out), have used this truth to their advantage. Joining these visionaries is a new media giant with a knack for strong stories that feature dynamic character sets. Drew Goddard's 2018 work Bad Times at the El Royale is a powerhouse flick that incorporates all the best parts of the quintessential spec script.
Bad Times at the El Royale spins the tale of seedy hotel you might assume is haunted for all the mischief and mayhem that finds its way into the well-furnished lobby. The plot revolves around a robbery gone wrong, the search for lost bounty, and a myriad of wayward wanderers who patronize the El Royale on a fateful evening. Every character is pristine, offering dazzling performances without outshining the next. Jeff Bridges is arguably the film's lead as he portrays Father Daniel Flynn, a good spirited man with a mystery surrounding his essence.
If there is one thing I must brag on Bad Times at the El Royale for most, it's the brilliance of its set design and color palette. Each shot is vivid and fun. My eyes were transformed by the richness of color across every scene. Even the darkest, most dimly lit sets maintained their own warmth and clarity. Realistically, there is not much bad to say about Bad Times at the El Royale. My single note of criticism resides with the pacing of the third act. I feel as though the second acts crescendo outweighed its successor. Even though the action drew forth and was ostensibly grander, I felt as though the real story was already behind me. Perhaps a few edits and shortenings would have remedied this issue.
Despite my single qualm, this film is not one to miss. I hate that I waited two years to sit down and cherish the mystery and who-done-it that laid in store. Bravo Mr. Goddard.
Bad Times at the El Royale spins the tale of seedy hotel you might assume is haunted for all the mischief and mayhem that finds its way into the well-furnished lobby. The plot revolves around a robbery gone wrong, the search for lost bounty, and a myriad of wayward wanderers who patronize the El Royale on a fateful evening. Every character is pristine, offering dazzling performances without outshining the next. Jeff Bridges is arguably the film's lead as he portrays Father Daniel Flynn, a good spirited man with a mystery surrounding his essence.
If there is one thing I must brag on Bad Times at the El Royale for most, it's the brilliance of its set design and color palette. Each shot is vivid and fun. My eyes were transformed by the richness of color across every scene. Even the darkest, most dimly lit sets maintained their own warmth and clarity. Realistically, there is not much bad to say about Bad Times at the El Royale. My single note of criticism resides with the pacing of the third act. I feel as though the second acts crescendo outweighed its successor. Even though the action drew forth and was ostensibly grander, I felt as though the real story was already behind me. Perhaps a few edits and shortenings would have remedied this issue.
Despite my single qualm, this film is not one to miss. I hate that I waited two years to sit down and cherish the mystery and who-done-it that laid in store. Bravo Mr. Goddard.