Bad Times at the El Royale

First off let me say, Bat Times at the El Royale is most certainly not for everyone. The way the story unfolds and how information is withheld/presented is quite complex. Although this may make it a bit too convoluted for some, it makes it an absolute treat for anyone willing to dig beneath the surface and get analytical. Not unlike Cabin in the Woods (Drew Goddard's directorial debut), Bad Times plays with your expectations. Goddard takes painstaking care to build tension throughout a scene, only to have it all upended by a sudden twist. For that reason, I anticipate the reaction to this film will be divided, as many moviegoers simply don't like surprises or being unsure of what will happen. However, if you are a fan of Goddard's previous work, it's a safe bet that you'll like this one. I also need to talk about the cast, as they deliver an absolute treasure of an ensemble performance. Each person plays their part incredibly well, but Cynthia Erivo and Chris Hemsworth are the definite stand outs. Hemsworth especially shines, showing us that he can do more than play a quippy Norse god. This movie has so much to unpack both visually and in terms of foreshadowing that I cannot wait to see it again. If you're looking for a smart, stylish, and generally thrilling way to spend a few hours, look no further than Bad Times at the El Royale.

Writer/director Drew Goddard's Bad Times at the El Royale is a long and entertaining sendup of Quentin Tarantino's crime world (think Hateful 8 and Pulp Fiction), post-Tarantino caper movies, and a bit of Hitchcock for suspense. It's the late 60's when eccentric characters converge on the seedy El Royale motel to recover cash from a heist 10 years ago hidden under the floorboards of a room.

By far the most interesting visitor is Father Daniel Flynn, aka Dock O'Kelly (Jeff Bridges), who set the heist in motion back then, did time for it, and returns to the half-closed motel to recover the loot. As symbol of a corrupt society that still clings to some semblance of religiosity, Flynn navigates the other crooks with caution.

Until the incarnation of the devil, or at least Charles Manson, arrives, Billy Lee (Chris Hemsworth), muscled and amoral but not loath to preach about a simple life for his devotees and seek the money for himself. With the motel's roaring fireplaces enfolding these untrustworthy survivors, Goddard must surely be thinking of hell on earth as earthlings grapple for lucre.

Surprises abound (be careful with that shotgun!), and not all the players make it out alive. Heck, even undercover cops are vulnerable. And women, watch out, for the bad girls are trigger happy. The exception is a lounge singer, Darlene Sweet (impressive Tony winner, Cynthia Erivo), who needs to hookup with the corrupt priest to escape this hell, but with loot.

The location is Lake Tahoe on the border of Nevada and California, a figurative crossroads for everyone, where the wrong step can take you to life or death. I'm beginning to sound like Twilight Zone's Rod Serling, and rightfully so because there's a claustrophobia to these surroundings, wherein the sins of mankind are scrutinized for their immorality, where redemption is rare, and a lesson can be learned.

As Father Flynn candidly comments, "I'm Old. S**t happens. Get the whiskey." That's Goddard's charmingly amoral world, where even a priest has issues.

I didn't expect much from this movie when i started it but it was very interesting and good. The story is pretty interesting and the build up is also perfect. It keeps you waiting shrouding you with mystery. The cast is perfect. Personally i thought Jeff bridge's performance was perfect. The other cast also give a solid performance. All in all the movie is very enjoyable and i definitely recommend it

A pretty solid crime thriller with loads of retro cool, a well-stocked cast and gorgeous cinematography - and a glut of extraneous flashbacks. If Bad Times at the El Royale has a weakness, it's pacing. It's not a problem during the opening act, as the hotel's emptiness (as well as who the hell are these people?) offers ample intrigue. Plus, there are the sets, I mean this looks incredible. But eventually night falls, backstories start piling up and ... it's enough already.

I have the same problem with El Royale that I did with The Hateful Eight; lots of talent and craft put into the film overall, but it's never again as good as its opening.

And absurdly long-winded.

It is a surprising , perfect puzzle. All is familiar. And you feel that more than you know. The build up is incredible, the mix of western, policier, horror and adventure, war and Tarantino, conspiracy theory, few drops of Scorsese and few crumbs of romance are almost incredible. A film admirable crafted. And that - from impecable story to the acting are ingredients defining it as real special.