FINAL TAKEAWAY: Overall #Amsterdam gives the video game LA Noir - meets Death on the Nile - meets HYDRA from the MCU - meets Da Five Bloods

* * * Theme & Story: A- Pacing: A- Character: A- Overall "Paper" Score: A-

* * * Entertainment Factors General Public: Wait for Streaming Murder Mystery/Drama Fans: Wait for Streaming Film Enthusiasts: Interesting Enough Overall "Viewing Experience" Score: Wait for Streaming

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Was this film something that needed to be experienced in a theater? Yes and no.... The cast, energy of the plot, and vision for the story all work to give that theatrical need; but the story, though solid, didn't have enough of a "social critique BANG" when it was all over, and it looked like it was attempting to do so. This is what makes me feel like it could've been available for streaming.

But I will say, you can definitely tell the experience and strength of every key actor in this film. They worked so well together, and every performance and engagement with one another felt top tier.

OTHER THOUGHTS: Highlights: The main cast (Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington), the character engagement and overall performances, thematic followthrough, Acts Two and first half of Three, the focus on Veterans, and pacing

Could've Been Better: More unpacking of Margot Robbie's character background/dynamic, and a better conclusion that gave more of a "social / historical critique punch" to match the developmental energy of the story.