This could've easily been one of the best crime films in a long time - up there with Sicario, if only with a little more effort. But experienced writer and director David Ayer failed miserably with his screenplay on what could've and should've been. I've seen amateur writers have tighter, more fluid, and logical screenplays. And it's a shame, because it really didn't need that much effort to fix. A few adjustments here and there, and/or better editing. Everything else was perfection.
Casting and performances - especially LaBeouf, were so convincing, you felt it. Cinematography and score were flawless. Even Ayer's directing was decent, although the "good" scenes needed more/better/longer takes. But Geoffrey O'Brien's editing was horrible, and with the convoluted choppy screenplay, is what failed this film.
I can't stand long films, especially when the story drags out, but I was left begging this screenplay had more much needed content and clarity in it, without taking out any of the current scenes. Another 20 mins added to the current 95 min runtime would have complimented and completed this little gem. Such a waste of everything else that was perfect.
Nevertheless, I am still shocked by the low ratings and bad reviews. I can only subtract 2 stars out of 10 for the horrible editing and lacking screenplay, because this could've easily been a perfect 10/10. So sadly, best it deserves is 8/10, because even with it's flaws, it's still one of the better films I've seen in a long time.
Casting and performances - especially LaBeouf, were so convincing, you felt it. Cinematography and score were flawless. Even Ayer's directing was decent, although the "good" scenes needed more/better/longer takes. But Geoffrey O'Brien's editing was horrible, and with the convoluted choppy screenplay, is what failed this film.
I can't stand long films, especially when the story drags out, but I was left begging this screenplay had more much needed content and clarity in it, without taking out any of the current scenes. Another 20 mins added to the current 95 min runtime would have complimented and completed this little gem. Such a waste of everything else that was perfect.
Nevertheless, I am still shocked by the low ratings and bad reviews. I can only subtract 2 stars out of 10 for the horrible editing and lacking screenplay, because this could've easily been a perfect 10/10. So sadly, best it deserves is 8/10, because even with it's flaws, it's still one of the better films I've seen in a long time.