Killing Them Softly is a kick-ass movie. Those involved with the
production will lead you to believe that it’s a socially relevant commentary on
the 2008 financial crisis, but in the end it’s more effective as a straight-up,
kick-ass crime drama. Sure, there are definite parallels that can be drawn, and
the less-than-subtle political speeches that act as a soundtrack add a
different level of intensity, but I preferred watching it for fun, not for
thought.
The film begins with one of the
more intriguing title sequences in recent memory, and for a second or two the
stop and start high-pitched tone reminded me more of the Texas Chainsaw
Massacre than a high-octane Brad Pitt film. It sets the stage, however, and
from there on out Killing Them Softly
is a ride you won’t want to get off. The opening few scenes are colored by some
great character acting, and though nothing new is presented, it’s always
entertaining to watch stick-ups and criminal scheming. The film takes on a
fresh rock and roll tone, though, when Pitt’s character is introduced, and Johnny
Cash has never sounded more spot on. Pitt is his usual self, adding charisma to
every scene, making it impossible for anyone to root against him. Speaking of
charismatic actors, can we please give Richard Jenkins the best supporting
actor of all time award? The guy can do anything, and his role as a mid-level
organized crime boss in Killing Them
Softly is no different. Ray Liotta is his usual mobster self, and as always
you will find yourself drawn to him. Still, Brad Pitt is the star of this film
and he turns in a classic performance that will stand up against many of his
other characters.
The underbelly of America is
exposed in this film, but not to the extent that the writers would have hoped.
We all know everything doesn’t smell like roses, so making statements about a
crisis our nation has been dealing with for years seems a bit stale at this
point. It’s for this reason that watching Killing
Them Softly made me disregard any socio-political commentary and enjoy it
for enjoyment’s sake. That doesn’t mean that the film doesn’t have a point, I
just don’t believe it hits home in the way that it intends to. Violence is unrelenting
yet sparse, the characters are magnetic, and the dialogue is human. All in all,
Killing Them Softly isn’t quite what
it thinks it is, but it’s a sure-fire good time.
Score: 3.8/5
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