Sometimes films come and go from the theaters and sometimes we just do not have the time to see one even though it was on your list of films to watch. Today's film,
Bad Times At The El Royale which was written and directed by Drew Goddard (The Cabin In The Woods) was one of those films even thought it boasted a tremendous cast, I never had the chance to check out the crime drama. You do know what they say, better late than never. The film follows four very different people who check into a hotel named the El Royale, a hotel that divides California from Nevada features the priest (Jeff Bridges), the singer (Cynthia Erivo), the salesman (Jon Hamm), and the runaway (Dakota Johnson). While all four may appear to be one thing, they each have their own agenda and reason for being at the hotel, but as things begin to unravel they are not what they seem to be. The film also stars Chris Hemsworth (Avengers: Infinity War) as Billy Lee, Cailee Spaeny (On The Basis Of Sex) as Rose, Lewis Pullman (The Strangers: Prey At Night) as Miles Miller, Nick Offerman (Parks And Recreation) as Felix O'Kelly, Shea Whigham (Silver Linings Playbook) as Dr. Woodbury Laurence, and Xavier Dolan (I Killed My Mother) as Buddy Sunday.
The thing that I really liked about the movie was the fact that they sort of divided it into chapters especially if t twas a flashback to show you the origins of certain characters. I love how with the four that checked in, it all played to the very same moment in the film, but you were able to see it in different angles and viewpoints. I do have to say though that things became very interesting when Chris Hemsworth's character showed up because he sort of had a presence to him like he was modeled after Charles Manson. He's dangerous and he believes in his bullshit so much that he thinks and believes that he is larger than life. Now, I thought every actor did an amazing job with their roles, but Dakota Fanning's character was sort of the oddball out. I didn't believe her character's presence was any good and her backstory was kind of lame because it had more to do with a different person. I definitely thought that the film was going to head in a certain direction due to Jon Hamm, but it all changes as the film goes on. Lewis Pullman may just play a bellhop named Miles, but he becomes more and more interesting as the film continues and is definitely someone to watch for because he is just as interesting and important as the others. I liked the cinematography in the film as well as the actual set and costumes and I said before the acting was a very strong point for the film. I definitely think it is worth one watch which is why I am going to give the film an B for a final grade.
