I liked this movie, and it gets a little better the more I think about it. [Disregard the ultra-harsh F cinemascore rating, if people knew what a good movie was, Taken 2 wouldn’t have gotten an A.] While you’re watching it, there may be a certain impatience that sets in as you watch hitmen, thieves, and other assorted lowlives talk to each other in realistic dialogue that makes Tarantino sound stagey, but you realize it’s all part of the movie’s subtle brilliance. It’s presenting a portrait of criminality that’s practically indistinguishable from the real thing, that draws you in so smoothly (with fast money and hanging out with your friends) that you don’t realize just how much danger you’re in until it’s too late, and it’s usually your good friends pulling the trigger. “Killing Them Softly,” doesn’t just refer to Brad Pitt’s central enforcer’s preferred method of dispatching his targets, it’s how the entire casual, faux-friendly brutality of the mob actually works.
What Works: [See everything above] Then add that this movie has ace-level performances from James Gandolfini, Richard Jenkins, Ray Liotta (so pitiful it’s impossible not to feel terrible for him), and Brad Pitt. And even though this movie is incredibly realistic in its depiction of the modern, corporatized mob (that only thinks it’s above killing people), there are stylistic flourishes that burn bright, like clear-eyed killings where the tension is so strong you can smell it, a robbery that makes you sweat even as nothing spectacular happens, a heroin trip that feels like a spiritual experience, and the ending-scene monologue, which is fantastic.
What Doesn’t Work: Well, some audiences gave it an F cinemascore grade, so I can’t say everyone will enjoy it. Obviously, a lot of people don’t, so maybe you won’t, but hopefully you will.
What I Would Have Done Differently: I can’t really say. Maybe the marketing campaign should have sold the movie in a different way so people would have had more realistic expectations. Other than that, I really can’t guess why I loved this movie and am having a hard time finding serious flaws, and others hated it.
I too loved this movie. Thought it would be a shoot, shoot, and more shooting movie that I would have to sit through with boy friend but it was actually good. Surprised, yes. I agree with what you said about marketing. More BRAD!