"Killing Them Softly" - Review

Written and Directed by: Andrew Dominik

Based on the novel “Cogan's Trade” by George V. Higgins

Rated R for violence, sexual references, pervasive language, and some drug use

Release Date: November 30^th, 2012

Review by: Sean Kayden

Have you ever been so amped up to see a movie after initially seeing its trailer? That was the case for me with “Killing Them Softly.” An apparently badass, old school crime movie destined to be a memorable one, if not a classic. On the contrary, I quickly found myself in a theater utterly disinterested by the political undertones, straightforward storytelling, and the way things were heighten so greatly, they simply came across as phony. When writers attempt to tell a tale about the enigmatic crime underworld with the involvement of gamblers, degenerates, and derelicts, most appear to have no real life experience with the potentially dark environment. That’s the problem with Andrew Dominik’s adapted screenplay. Perhaps, I’m being too critical, but something is awry when you’re shaking your head at characters’ choices and feeling a sense of bewilderment by the actions characters would take to solve a problem. “Killing Them Softly” looks beautiful, but physical appearance wears off thin. Underneath the aesthetics, you have a one-trick pony that’s riddled with clichés, buried with political drivel, and about as monotonous as watching paint dry.

“Killing Them Softly” begins with a man named the “Squirrel” (an owner of a dry cleaner) who hires two lackeys for an easy, “get in-get out” job. They are going to hit up a poker game hosted by Ray Liotta’s character, Markie. By the way, Ray Liotta is about as washed up as the cities Hurricane Sandy just pummeled through. He offered nothing and is only associated with this movie because Liotta is a perennial wise guy. As I digress, the reason it’s described as an easy, no strings attached job is because a few years ago Markie hired two guys to rob his own game. Not too long after, high on his own supply in a sense, Markie professes what he did at a random poker game to others. They all had a good laugh until word got back to a man named Dylan and his muscle, who apparently are the enforcers at these back alley gamers. They don’t take too kindly to the news and rough up Markie a bit. Therefore, if Markie’s game gets hit again, all fingers will point to him.

After these two lost souls do the deed, Markie gets some heat from the guys upstairs. This is where Brad Pitt’s character comes in. They realize Markie probably didn’t do it, but someone must pay. Shortly afterward one of the guys who part took in the poker bust, a heroin addict of all people, gloats about what he did to a guy who works for this mysterious man named Dylan (played by Sam Shepard). Dylan handles these dire situations where someone must pay for their wrong doings. Long story short, Brad Pitt’s too cool for school character must take care of the two guys involved as well as the “Squirrel” who orchestrated the heist. He brings in James Gandolfini, an old school hitman looking for work by figuring this is a two-man job. With recession prices to boot, they get Gandolfini for less than he normally would ask for. Anyway, his character Mickey is obscene, rude, and a perpetual drunk. He’s only in two scenes, but they are the longest and worst scenes in the movie. He goes on a tirade about his previous heydays, women he’s fornicated with, and whatever else that is still holding him together. Bottom line, Gandolfini’s outing is embarrassing and sadly one that’s reminiscent of his old alter ego, Tony Soprano. He’s gone from the movie rather quickly, but by that time, you’re already feeling the pain from sitting through the first hour or so.

You can argue all you want that the picture is a lot deeper than what appears at face value. However, if you want be reminded about the recession then just open up any US circulated newspaper or better yet take a hard look at your own financial structure if needed. Brad Pitt may be smooth as silk but even is strong presence can't overtake the barebones storytelling, incompetent character decisions, and serious lack of thrills and chills. The only redeeming quality of the film perhaps takes place in the final scene. Brad Pitt’s character Jackie goes on rant about Thomas Jefferson and his hypocrisy and President Obama's outlook on the American people. Jackie boldly states America not being a country but a business. It’s definitely a thought provoking claim on how what this country is transitioning into, which is a pitiful scenario nonetheless. This may cause ire for many viewers, but same thing goes for those anticipating a great 21st century crime film this holiday season and instead come away with a big lump of coal. I rather be killed off softly than sit through “Killing Them Softly” for another go around.

Grade: 1.5 out 5

Published by Mountain Views News on December 15th, 2012
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n50/p12.htm