As "Amsterdam" (2022 release; 134 min) opens, we are reminded that "A Lot Of This Really Happened". We go to "New York 1933", and we meet Burt, a WWI veteran who is now a doctor. Burt is friends with Harold, another WWI veteran who is now a lawyer. In a parallel story, Elizabeth, whose dad has died while returning from Europe, calls on Harold to investigate what happened... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the latest from writer-producer-director David Russell ("Silver Linings Playbook". "American Hustle"). Here he brings us a supposed true life tale of some sinister plot, the likes of which is impossible to make out in the beginning. From the get-go, I found myself watching this without any attachment or emotional involvement, instead remarking to myself how incredibly over-staged the movie was (you can practically hear Russell yell "and.... ACTION"). Along the way, the movie features an all-star cast including Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Chris Rock, Mike Myers, Robert De Niro, and none other than Taylor Swift (as Elizabeth). As it turns out, what a complete waste of time and talent. The movie never gets on track from a story-telling perspective, period.

"Amsterdam" premiered at CinemaCon in April, 2002 to ho-hum reaction. The movie was released in US theaters in early October, and promptly bombed at the box office. It started showing on HBO and HBO Max this past weekend, where I caught it. Frankly, I cannot recommend this movie to anyone in good conscience. Russell's best work is far behind him these days. Of course don't take my word for it, so I'd suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.