Day 286 of the challenge! Bad Times at the El Royale is such a fun popcorn thriller! 2018 top shelf!
I lost count of all the times I either gasped of said “oh shit” while watching. It has the complexity and feel of a much bloodier (and probably smarter) Tarantino flick, but with a fun and pulpy style that’s all it’s own. Not to say El Royale doesn’t have something going on under the hood. There’s some subtle commentary jabbing at American culture in the late 60s, but above all else, it’s a masterfully crafted ensemble piece that gives every single character their moment to shine.
Any issues you might have with El Royale (it’s a bit overlong at most) will no doubt be overshadowed by the amazing cast. Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo and Chris Hemsworth are especially great, chewing it up and displaying an awesome range of emotion in their own, character specific ways. On that, as much as I love the guy as Thor, Chris needs weirder and more interesting roles like the one he gets to play here. Straight up chilling.
Bad Times at the El Royale has the makings of a new cult classic, and I can’t wait to see it again (preferably on a rainy night with a bucket load of popcorn and some whiskey).