My Review - Amsterdam My Rating 5/10

Have you ever had a long conversation with someone and come away thinking afterwards what on earth were they talking about?

Well after 2 hours and 15 minutes of Amsterdam that's exactly what went through my mind and as the famous song from "Alfie " goes what's it all about ?

I'd probably have to ask the Screenplay Writer Director Producer David O. Russell that question but after seeing Amsterdam his first feature film in 8 years I really am not that interested to find out .

I was going to rate this movie a 4/10 but after being reminded of another similar much promoted movie that I had exactly the same reaction to I gave Amsterdam the same rating . That movie was Wes Anderson's 2021 film The French Despatch it also had a wonderful star studded cast , looked impressive, cost a fortune to make and in my opinion was silly and pretentious.

The plot of Amsterdam set in the 1930's concerns two murders the first a World War 1 hero who's daughter is convinced her fathers death is no accident so she commissions Burt Berendsen a wacky one eyed quack Doctor played with great style by Christian Bale to perform an autopsy to determine the cause of her fathers death. Burt and his 2 friends Harold Woodman played by John David Washington and Milton King (Chis Rock ) then witness another murder which they are framed for and find themselves fugitives from the law.

The story by David O Russell meanders all over the place with sub plots ,conspiracy theories ,attempted satire and far to many characters no wonder this film has spectacularly bombed at the International Box Office.

It's a shame because it's an impressive looking movie with great set designs ,wonderful costumes and some excellent performances.

Margo Robbie as Valerie Voze has never looked more beautiful on screen the camera loves Margo however I ask myself why was there no attempt to age her when the movie fast forwards twelve years ?

Anya Taylor -Joy is a joy to watch as Valerie's wicked sister Libby she gives a terrific performance that reminded me of a glamorous Mrs Danvers characterisation.

Robert DeNiro has a great cameo as General Gil Dillenbeck and Rami Malek as Tom Voze plays Rami Malek but the star is Christian Bale he almost manages to make this movie worth seeing .

I suspect as movies scenes are usually shot out of sequence this impressive cast of actors probably thought they were making a very impressive film but I'm afraid it's just another example of great style over no substance to speak of .