Today, Bad Times at the El Royale finally hit theaters.
The much-anticipated film was written and directed by Drew Goddard, well known for both the 2015 sci-fi blockbuster The Martian and the 2012 self-aware horror movie Cabin in the Woods. He also created the critically praised Netflix superhero series Daredevil, and began his meteoric career as a writer for the cult classic TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
In his latest effort, seven troubled strangers (played by Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, Chris Hemsworth, Lewis Pullman, and Cailee Spaeny), cross paths at a seedy motel named the El Royale that's set on the border between California and Nevada, and take one last ill-fated shot at redemption in 1969.
The reviews for the new film have been largely positive. It has a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the consensus being that it's "smart, stylish, and packed with solid performances…[delivering] pure popcorn fun with the salty tang of social subtext."
Writing for The New York Times, movie critic Manohla Dargis describes the film as "a hard-boiled thriller with flashes of a horror but largely a statement of authorial intent," which is "optimistically set at the intersection of Agatha Christie and Quentin Tarantino."
But Dargis also alludes to the fact that while Goddard is well-known for playing around with cinematic archetypes, he's not as successful at executing this trademark quality in this film as he is in, say, Cabin in the Woods.
A review in The Economist points out that Goddard delights in "creating characters and then testing them in fiendish ways (sometimes literally), ratcheting up the tension and the body count," but that, in this particular case, "he takes these themes too far." The critic says that the 140 minute onslaught of flashbacks, plot twists, and dead bodies, turns the film from fun to exhausting, and "sacrifices character development for spectacle."
Writing for Detroit News, critic Adam Graham also concedes that the film is underdeveloped, describing it as "an undercooked piece of pulp fiction that could use another pass through the oven."
John Semley at The Globe and Mail says it's a "superficially well-constructed film" that one might feel "compelled to teach in a screenwriting class rather than truly savor." He notes that one scene is "so desperate in its attempt to appear iconic that it becomes difficult to watch head-on."
And, echoing other reviews, David Sims at The Atlantic similarly states that the film does "outstay its welcome with a 140-minute running time," and that its artistic ambition is ultimately its downfall.
"There might be too much going on," he writes, "but as the final act descends into carnage, Goddard is at least trying to say something."
All in all—if the top critics are to be believed—the film's strong points appear to outweigh its weak ones. However, you'd be wise remember to buy a large popcorn, because the overlong running time could make you hungry. And if you love twisted films, don't miss this hilarious list of the 20 Funniest Things About Horror Movies That Make No Sense.
To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life, click here to sign up for our FREE daily newsletter!
Diana Bruk Diana is a senior editor who writes about sex and relationships, modern dating trends, and health and wellness.Read moreRead This NextThe "American Bro" Is an International Embarrassment
What the insidious rise of online frat culture means for the modern man. May 26, 201710 Famous Men Who Wear the Same Outfit Every Day
Is it a uniform? Or is it laziness?June 22, 201710 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.March 21, 2017Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.November 15, 2016Driving Tips Smart Men Know
Ten easy ways to be the safest driver on the road. April 3, 2017Men Who Set the Time: Cash Warren
The successful producer, entrepreneur and husband of Jessica Alba reveals how you, too, can live your best life.October 31, 2016Dr. Oz: The Best Life Interview
Mehmet Oz, M.D., asks the toughest question: Are you living or dying?October 23, 2016Dr. Oz's 15 Best Life Tips
October 23, 2016The One That Got Away
A single nutrient—omega-3 fatty acids—may have turned early humans into civilized man. Has stripping it from our diet given rise to cancer, diabetes, and other civilized diseases? Our correspondent investigates.February 23, 2017George Clooney Is Having Twins. Here's What Women Everywhere Are Saying About It
The legendary ladies' man who once swore off fatherhood went from zero to "Full House" very quickly—and the Internet has responded.February 10, 2017
