Amsterdam is pure chaos, but that’s what makes it so charming.
The Story
Set in the 30s, Amsterdam tells the tale of three best friends, Burt (Christian Bale), Harold (John David Washington), and Valerie (Margot Robbie), who met during World War I. When Burt and Harold witness a murder and are framed for it, the three friends find themselves running around New York in hopes of clearing their names.
An All-Star Cast
The cast is absolutely stacked! Every actor gives their all to this movie. The three main leads are electric together, creating a beautiful chemistry on-screen. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, Christian Bale is one of the best actors of our generation. Every move he makes is so precise and thought out. Even when he’s not the main focus of a scene, he finds a way to steal the spotlight. John David Washington skillfully plays alongside him and is just captivating in every moment. And Margot Robbie proves once again that she is a heavy hitter in Hollywood. Not only does she sell dramatic moments, but her comedic timing is impeccable.
The Verdict
Amsterdam is an ambitious movie. Chiming in at two hours and fourteen minutes, it feels long, and there is a lot of story being told. The premise is good, but the script goes off the rails throughout the film. Sometimes you are completely invested, but the scene just goes on a little longer than necessary, making you feel the runtime. That’s where the actors come into play. They save those moments from becoming dull. I enjoyed the quirkiness and wit within the script. The humor may not be for everyone, but if you are a fan of off-beat movies, this one is for you.
The cinematography and camera work are absolutely stunning. There are scenes where the shots just look exquisite. Along with the fantastic editing, this is filmmaking at its finest.
What Parents Should Know
For parents, know that this film contains violence and gore. It does have some mild profanity and a few intense scenes.
The Conclusion
I enjoyed this movie. It was funny, chaotic, and just a good time. The big names are the get, but unfortunately, the names alone may not fill the theater. Amsterdam is charming and gorgeous, and the cast is phenomenal. I feel like this is a movie for a very specific audience. Film buffs will absolutely adore this movie, but it may not resonate with the average movie-goer.
Collette's Review: Amsterdam
Score
Review Nation Score
Amsterdam is an ambitious movie. It has a great story, but the script goes off the rails. The cast, along with its charm and wit, saves it from becoming boring.