Genre: Crime, Noir, Dark
You'll like it if you like: Brad Pitt, Quasi Social Commentary
Killing Them Softly is a tale of organized crime in New Jersey. The plot revolves around a robbery, then revenge, then money. You can't expect any full on Michael Bay action scenes but the violence that is there is very subtle and pointed. It's a well made, gritty crime thriller that also serves as commentary on the state of the US economy.
Brad Pitt plays the titular main character, Jackie Cogan. His character ebbs and flows throughout the film. At times he seems out of control and out of his depth but others he communicates a cool, collected mob enforcer. Unfortunately, this film revolves mostly around Pitt and his relations to other characters who end up being fairly trivial though most have an aura of depth. Ray Liotta plays a gangster as good as anyone but isn't around long. Scoot McNairy and Ben Mendehlson (I haven't seen him since Vertical Limit, which I love.) put in solid performances as a couple of dirt bags down on there luck and serve as the focal point of revenge but their lack of screen time hardly gives them a chance at any real depth. The only real negative thing I have to say about this film is that, strangely, there's only one woman in it. She's a prostitute and she's in the film for all of about 2 minutes and for some reason that really bugged me.
Overall, this is a solid film that will do exactly what it's meant to, entertain. There's not too much room for a deeper meaning between the commentary on the 2008 financial crisis and Pitt's acting prowess. But there doesn't have to be, if you like gritty, understated crime thrillers then this is a great movie for you.
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