Gangster Squad Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Cops and robbers play dress-up in the 40s and shoot a lot of bullets at each other, mostly missing, while Ryan Gosling tries to remember what decade he’s in.

🍿 Gangster Squad: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Rise of Mickey Cohen

In 1949 Los Angeles, Mickey Cohen, a ruthless gangster and former boxer, arrives with the ambition to control all criminal activity. Cohen quickly establishes his dominance by bribing local officials and eliminating anyone who stands in his way, creating a climate of fear and corruption throughout the city. His brutal methods are meant to send a message that no one can touch him.

Formation of the Gangster Squad

Police Chief William Parker, fed up with Cohen’s unchecked power, tasks Sergeant John O’Mara with forming a secret, off-the-books unit to take down Cohen’s operations. O’Mara, a World War II veteran committed to restoring peace to Los Angeles, assembles a team of specialized cops, including the reluctant Sergeant Jerry Wooters, driven by a sense of duty and justice.

Undercover Operations and Rising Stakes

The Gangster Squad begins its operations, targeting Cohen’s gambling dens, drug shipments, and other illicit activities. As they chip away at Cohen’s empire, they face increasing danger, including corrupt cops, deadly ambushes, and the constant threat of exposure. Wooters’s relationship with Cohen’s girlfriend, Grace Faraday, adds another layer of complexity and risk to the situation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn): The ruthless mob kingpin who aims to control all criminal activity in Los Angeles.
• Sgt. John O’Mara (Josh Brolin): The determined and incorruptible sergeant leading a secret squad to take down Cohen’s empire.
• Sgt. Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling): A charismatic and initially reluctant cop who joins the squad and becomes entangled with Cohen’s girlfriend.
• Grace Faraday (Emma Stone): Cohen’s etiquette coach and girlfriend who begins a dangerous affair with Wooters.
• Chief Bill Parker (Nick Nolte): The police chief who authorizes the formation of the secret ‘Gangster Squad’ to combat Cohen.
• Max Kennard (Robert Patrick): The sharpshooting and experienced member of the Gangster Squad.
• Conway Keeler (Giovanni Ribisi): The Gangster Squad’s intelligence expert, who handles wiretapping and electronics.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mickey Cohen: “I always knew I’d die in Burbank.” – Cohen says this line during a high-stakes moment, encapsulating his dark humor and acceptance of his violent lifestyle.
• Sgt. John O’Mara: “We have to fight fire with fire.” – O’Mara uses this line to justify the Squad’s extreme methods in combating Cohen’s ruthlessness.
• Grace Faraday: “He’ll kill you if he finds out!” – Grace warns Wooters about the danger of their affair, highlighting the ever-present threat of Mickey Cohen.
• Mickey Cohen: “You know the drill.” – Cohen says this line before his men torture someone with a drill, showcasing his brutality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $60,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $46,000,903
• Worldwide Gross: $105,200,903

💥 Gangster Squad Reviews

Personal Review

I went into Gangster Squad wanting a fun, pulpy crime movie, and that’s exactly what I got. It’s not the deepest film, but the action scenes are exciting, and the cast is clearly having a blast. Sean Penn’s performance is ridiculously over the top, but in a way that’s entertaining. I also loved seeing Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone together again – their chemistry is undeniable. It’s a perfect movie to watch when you just want to switch off your brain and enjoy the ride. And the vintage cars? Amazing!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of gangster films”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about crime and corruption”
  • “Those who enjoy action-packed movies with a stylish aesthetic”
  • “Fans of the actors Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Stone”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes including crime and corruption”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Gangster Squad delivers stylish action and charismatic performances, particularly from Sean Penn. However, it relies heavily on genre clichés and lacks the narrative depth to be truly memorable. It’s a visually appealing but ultimately lightweight addition to the gangster film canon.
• Variety: “Ruben Fleischer’s Gangster Squad is a visually striking but narratively thin crime thriller. Sean Penn chews the scenery as Mickey Cohen, while Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone provide the requisite star power. The film offers plenty of action, but fails to create a lasting impact.
• IGN: “Gangster Squad is a fun, action-packed ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Sean Penn’s over-the-top performance as Mickey Cohen is a highlight, and the film’s stylized visuals are a treat. While it may not be a masterpiece, it’s a solid popcorn flick for fans of the genre.

Audience Reactions

Loved the over-the-top action and Sean Penn’s crazy performance.: Most viewers enjoyed the film as a stylish, fun, and action-packed popcorn movie, with a strong emphasis on visual appeal.

Overall Consensus: Gangster Squad is a visually appealing and action-packed gangster film that’s entertaining, if somewhat shallow.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s release was delayed from September 2012 to January 2013 due to the Aurora, Colorado theater shooting. A scene featuring a shootout in a movie theater was deemed too sensitive and was reshot, moving the location to Chinatown.”
• “Sean Penn underwent three hours of makeup each morning to transform into Mickey Cohen, including a prosthetic nose and other facial enhancements.”
• “Several actors were considered for the main roles, including Jamie Foxx and Bryan Cranston, who dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.”

🖥️ How to Watch Gangster Squad?

Gangster Squad is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video for rent or purchase. It’s also often available on Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service to see if it’s included in their catalog or available for individual purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Gangster Squad, you might like these similar films:

• L.A. Confidential (1997): Both films are neo-noir crime dramas set in Los Angeles with corrupt police and complex plots.
• The Untouchables (1987): Features a team of law enforcement officers battling a powerful gangster, similar to the central conflict in Gangster Squad.
• Dick Tracy (1990): Features a highly stylized and over-the-top depiction of gangsters, which, like Gangster Squad, leans into the comic book feel.
• Public Enemies (2009): Both movies explore the conflict between law enforcement and charismatic, notorious criminals during a specific historical period.

🛒 Gangster Squad Related Products

• Tales from the Gangster Squad: From Meyer Lansky to Mickey Cohen: This is the book that inspired the movie, delving deeper into the true stories of the real Gangster Squad and their battles against organized crime in post-war Los Angeles. A must-read for history buffs.
• Vintage Fedora Hat: A classic Fedora to complete the look. Perfect for cosplay, costume parties, or to channel the stylish 1940s aesthetic.
• Tommy Gun Replica: Display this iconic weapon, a symbol of the era, for a gangster-themed display or as a unique collector’s item. **Note: This is a non-functional replica.**
• LEGO BrickHeadz The Godfather: Build and display your own LEGO BrickHeadz version of The Godfather, complete with iconic details and a display base. A fun project for LEGO and movie enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

Gangster Squad features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “This Is It” – performed by Cole Porter
• “The Hills of California” – performed by Johnny Mercer and The Pied Pipers
• “Chica Chica Boom Chic” – performed by Carmen Miranda

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Gangster Squad – Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone joke on set

Ever wondered what it’s like to be on the set of a major Hollywood movie? This video gives you a sneak peek into the fun and camaraderie between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone during the filming of ‘Gangster Squad.’ It’s a lighthearted and enjoyable video that will make you appreciate the movie even more.

Gangster Squad movie review

Jeremy Jahns, a popular movie reviewer, shares his thoughts on ‘Gangster Squad.’ Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just curious about what others think, this review is worth checking out. Jeremy offers a balanced and well-reasoned critique, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the film.

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