Bad Times at the El Royale

With this film, and after The Cabin in the Woods (in between was also the better-than-expected The Martian and the phenomenal The Good Place), writer/director Drew Goddard has officially joined the pantheon of writers and directors whom I would watch anything that they make.

This chapter-movie was seriously funny. It was witty, smart as hell, genre-eschewing, dark but not macabre and just littered with visual and literary puns and gags. And it was also so very well cast. A bottleneck film that trapped its character and had fun exploring their identity as the story twists and turns and flashbacks fleshed out the complexity of these strangers. Goddard weaved together a brilliant, intelligent, original film that not only entertained but also provided a subtext of social commentary. Cynthia Erivo and Lewis Pullman stole the show, but Chris Hemsworth, Jeff Bridges, Jon Hamm and Dakota Johnson all played their roles so bloody well!

As a director, Goddard had some great flourishes, with long shots and live-singing (bravo Erivo!). It was a smart choice to divide the film into chapters because it not only clearly told the story but also allowed for different perspectives to be gleaned and then - wham! - turned it all on its head. The only slight downside to this film was its length. At 140 minutes, it could really have been a wee bit tighter towards the third act. Maybe a nice 120 minutes may have been better.

Erivo absolutely slayed! Here we had a strong female lead that absolutely carried her scenes. Even against Bridges and Hemsworth (and his abs), she commanded the screen. And boy, it sure made a lot of difference casting a Broadway singer to do the live singing! Amazing!

Then we have Pullman. This boy was a discovery and his arc was one of the highlights of this film. He could go far as an indie actor as he honed his craft. I would not be surprised though if he turned up on the small screen next and stole the show (again).

Bridges was solid and reliable. Hemsworth was a hoot and really ought to do more comedy after Thor: Ragnarok and his bit in Ghostbusters (his abs deserved a screen credit of their own). Johnson, like Kirsten Stewart and Robert Peterson, is slowing inching out of the franchise that made their name. Jon Hamm, on the other hand, seemed to be still channeling his Don Draper persona. Cailee Spaeny rounded up the main cast and she will also be one to look out for in the upcoming movies.

The music was by Michael Giacchino and was fantastic. Giacchino should really ought to get away from major blockbusters (except for Pixar) and get back to scoring smaller films where he could really play around and create more exciting new sounds.

Seamus McGarvey lensed the film and he gave us some really good angles and points of view.

In all, Bad Times at the El Royale, was a hoot that will not be for everybody. But for me, it was a damn good fun at the cinema.