Amsterdam

I approached "Amsterdam" with foreboding because of its many negative reviews, but it turned out to be fun, suspenseful, and with great acting performances by all. And along the way the movie highlighted the difficult path of WWI veterans after the war, and brought up a now little-know plot against Roosevelt by some big businessmen.

The period clothing, cars, and etc. Were superb. As another reviewer stated, Christian Bale was awesome, but Zoe Saldana and David Washington, along with DeNiro, made the movie special.

There were shots depicting the horrible injuries incurred in WWII, and the suffering vets continued to have when they arrived back in the States.

Altogether a surprisingly coherent movie, despite what most reviewers had said.

"Amsterdam" is a Mystery - Crime movie set in the 1930s and film follows a trio of unlikely friends who become entangled in a conspiracy that could change the course of history.

I liked this movie because of its interesting plot and its impressive cast. The narrative was intriguing and engaging but in some moments became convoluted, lost focus and momentum. The blend of humor, mystery, and political commentary occasionally feels uneven, leaving the audience unsure of whether to take it seriously or simply enjoy the chaotic ride. The interpretation of Christian Bale who played as Dr. Burt Berendsen was both quirky and outstanding while the supporting cast, especially Margot Robbie who played as Valerie Voze and John David Washington who played as Harold Woodman, were somewhat underutilized. The movie's visual style is vibrant and engaging and contains some memorable moments. In conclusion, I have to say that "Amsterdam" had the potential of being an amazing movie but its overstuffed plot and inconsistent tone make it a bit of a letdown. It's still an enjoyable movie to watch but I suggest you not to expect much.

This movie is a bit long at over 2 hours but is written, acted, and directed in a style that is interesting all the way. There is quirkiness, sometimes it reminded me of Wes Anderson's movies, like "The Grand Budapest Hotel." The character played by Christian Bale, a disheveled doctor who lost an eye in the war, reminded us of Peter Faulk's 1970s TV series Columbo in his mannerisms and his quest to find out facts.

While this is almost entirely a fictional story it is loosely based on something that was called "The Business Plot." Roosevelt was newly elected and a group of businessmen didn't like the direction things were headed. So they hatched a plan to overthrow the President.

But very little of the running time is actually devoted to that, most of it has the three main characters, accused of murdering a woman by pushing her into the street to be run over by a delivery truck, working to prove their innocence and to focus in on the real bad actors.

My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library, a totally interesting and entertaining take on the times.

A quirky genre-bending caper with a political bent seems right up David O. Russell's alley. Unfortunately, this movie just never gels. At all. It feels like 10 different movies with 10 different casts, even if those casts are flat out jaw-dropping. I enjoyed some of those movies more than others (e.g. The farcical scenes when Russell pretended to be Wes Anderson), but every time I started getting interested in a plot or enjoying a performance, the whole thing swerved. And more often than not it served right off the road.

Also, was Bale doing a Peter Falk impersonation? I kept waiting for him to light a cigar and say, "Just one more thing..."

Amsterdam is one of those films that swings for the fences, and while it doesn't always hit the mark, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the ride. The movie is a wild blend of historical fiction, mystery, and dark comedy, all wrapped up in a stylish package. Its boldness is one of its most appealing traits-this isn't a film that plays it safe, and I respect that. Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington bring a quirky energy to their roles that makes the oddball trio surprisingly endearing. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I loved watching them navigate through the film's twisted plot.

Visually, Amsterdam is a treat. The costumes, set design, and cinematography all capture the 1930s with a vibrant, almost surreal flair that keeps you hooked. The film's offbeat humor also worked for me, with enough clever dialogue and absurd situations to keep me chuckling.

However, Amsterdam isn't without its flaws. The plot can get a bit convoluted, and there were moments where I felt the film was trying to juggle too many themes at once. Some of the supporting characters, despite being played by a stellar cast, don't get enough time to truly shine. The pacing, too, is uneven, with the film sometimes dragging in its attempts to tie everything together.

Despite these issues, Amsterdam is a fun, if slightly messy, cinematic experience. It's not for everyone, but if you're into films that dare to be different and aren't afraid to mix genres with a touch of madness, this one's worth the watch.