A pretty solid crime thriller with loads of retro cool, a well-stocked cast and gorgeous cinematography - and a glut of extraneous flashbacks. If Bad Times at the El Royale has a weakness, it's pacing. It's not a problem during the opening act, as the hotel's emptiness (as well as who the hell are these people?) offers ample intrigue. Plus, there are the sets, I mean this looks incredible. But eventually night falls, backstories start piling up and ... it's enough already.
I have the same problem with El Royale that I did with The Hateful Eight; lots of talent and craft put into the film overall, but it's never again as good as its opening.
And absurdly long-winded.
I have the same problem with El Royale that I did with The Hateful Eight; lots of talent and craft put into the film overall, but it's never again as good as its opening.
And absurdly long-winded.