Bad Times at the El Royale Review

Fun Time at the El Cinema

You ever notice how many unoriginal movies are released? We get roughly about 4-6 superhero films, 2 Star Wars Movies, 8 failed launches of cinematic universes, 827 reboots and a further 202903093 sequels to films from the 80s a year. Sometimes it can all get a little bit tiring. Odds are when you’re not getting one of the types of films I mentioned above it probably stars The Rock or something. What if I told you that a completely original film that is written and directed by the man who wrote The Cabin in the Woods and The Martian has just been released? A film that balances multiple genres from comedy to drama with a hint of musical all in the bigger picture of a crime mystery film? A film that has one of the most impressive ensembles of recent years with newcomers and acting veterans shining? That film is Bad Times at the El Royale and it is glorious.

Bad Times at the El Royale tells the story of 7 strangers who meet at the El Royale hotel where everyone has a story but this one night is going to be a bad time for them. The plotting of this film was my kind of plot. I always love a film which features intertwining stories, flashbacks and the same scenes showed multiple times through different perspectives. The is certainly not a short one, clocking in at 2 hours and 21 minutes but I never wanted the film to end. Each conversation in the film felt human, never being cut off for no apparent reason. There are scenes in the film which go on for at least 10 minutes, but you want them to go for hours. This is a film which revels in taking its time. Some people may find it tiring to have to sit through long periods of conversation without much happening but when these conversations are revealing little tibits of information to help you figure out it’s characters it’s riveting. The film is not solely a talk fest. Naturally in a film with Bad Times in its title you get violence and gore which is used in very unexpected ways. Bad Times at The El Royale is never predictable just when you think you have it sussed where it is going the film will throw you a curveball and keep you guessing until the very last scene.

The cast in this film will be a selling point for many. Seeing so many big names in a movie together is always exciting but there is always the fear that someone may be wasted. Thankfully this is a film which knows exactly what to do with its characters. Jeff Bridges gives a typically amazing performance as the sly priest Dylan Flynn who showcases some of the films most heart wrenching moments. Jon Hamm plays a Don Draper type but instead of being charismatic and charming he’s racist and sexist. Dakota Johnson plays Emily who’s character I don’t want to give anything away about, but this is the first time since Black Mass where she’s really stands out for me. As the young maintenance man was played by an actor I never heard but judging by audiences’ reactions he was a firm fan favourite   Lewis Pullman brought upon the laughs but when contrasted with broken innocence it’s a times devastating to watch. Chris Hemsworth’s role as the villain has been relied on heavily in the marketing but try not to look up anything about him before you go in. It’s the type of performance we’ve never seen from Hemsworth is unlikable, scummy and an all-round piece of shit. Even though you’ll hate the character he is so entertaining to watch you’ll almost demand for him to be on screen.  Cynthia Erivo owns the film as Darleen Sweet a young soul singer who gets caught up in the madness in the El Royale. The actress who makes her on screen debut commands the screen in every scene. Erivo made sure that she got to to sing live on film and man does she have talent. The scenes in which she sings will leave you covered in Goosebumps. Not only does she have the voice but the performance she gave is so strong that I demand the Academy recognises her for best supporting actress.

Drew Goddard does a phenomenal job behind the camera. The direction in Bad Times is slick and Tarantinoesque in the best way imaginable. The influences from Tarantino are clear to see but it feels as if Goddard has made a cooler version of The Hateful 8. The use of flashbacks in the film really help tie the film together. 20^th Century Fox put a lot of faith into Goddard by allowing him to make his film, but the lack of studio interference has helped create the slickest film of 2018. The soundtrack of the film plays a big part in the narrative. Every song that plays feels important to the plot and generates story progression.  Goddard was always smart in the sense that he stuck to Motown music, this genre of music helped create the retro atmosphere in the El Royale. The way in which Goddard’s script can balance the mismatch of genres is genius. This is a film that will have you laughing, gasping, crying and engaging with every aspect of the film. Many other writers could have crumbled under the pressure of creating a multitude of genres in his film, but Goddard strives. The fact that there isn’t one set tone also helps the viewer feel as if the El Royale could exist in the real world as not everyone sticks to the same emotion. The films third act may go a little bit off the rails but when your script is this strong it more than makes up for it.

Overall Bad Times at the El Royale is a film that deserves your support. Original big budgeted stories with star filled casts don’t get many shots these days so it is up to us to support these wonderful movies. There is something in bad times for everyone. Michael Giachinno once again delivers a score that fits the film to perfection, this score is his follow up to The Incredibles 2 which is astounding. 

The Cinematography by Seamus McGarvey is a love letter to the 1960s emphasising the glitz and glamour of the bright lights. Every actor gives their A game to aid to the intriguing to the insights into their philosophies. Goddard has managed to write and direct a better version of The Hateful 8, a fine movie, don’t get me wrong but that opening first act is a chore to get through. This is my kind of film so I’m praying that big studios don’t give up on originality. The world deserves stories that we have never heard before.  If Goddard continues to make movies like this than its only a matter of time before he becomes an auteur and young filmmakers hope their films are Goddardesque.

Liam’s Summary of Bad Times at the El Royale

Best Moment: I’m a sucker for Chris Hemsworth dancing. Its mesmerising.

Worst Moment: The third act may just show its cards for a tiny bit too long.

Best character: Darleen Sweet is fuelled by my best supporting actress of 2019 pick Cynthia Enrivo.

Worst Character: the couple who talked the whole way through the movie in the cinema.

Overall Rating: 5/5